Compounds, compositions, and methods for reducing or eliminating bitter taste

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides edible compositions comprising a compound of the present invention, food products comprising such edible compositions and methods of preparing such food products. The present invention also provides methods of reducing the amount of NaCl in a food product, methods of reducing the sodium intake in a diet, and methods of reducing bitter taste in a food product.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/641,213, filed Dec. 21, 2012 (allowed), which is United StatesNational Stage Application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2011/032780, filed Apr. 15, 2011 (expired), whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/324,416, filedApr. 15, 2010, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/324,407, filed Apr.15, 2010, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/324,367, filed Apr. 15,2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/324,364, filed Apr. 15,2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to flavor in edible compositions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sense of taste, e.g., in human, can detect at least five traditionaltastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami (savory). Many nutritioussubstances including vegetables, foods, food ingredients and nutrientscomprise bitter tastants and/or have a bitter taste. In addition, manypharmaceutical substances important to maintain or improve healthcomprise bitter tastants and/or have a bitter taste. While certain foodproducts and consumer products have desirable bitter tastes, includingcoffee, beer and dark chocolate, in many contexts, consumers dislikesuch bitter tastes. For example, many consumers dislike the perceptionof certain bitter tastants and/or bitter taste and will avoid food orpharmaceutical products with an undesirable bitter tastant or bittertaste in favor of food and pharmaceutical products that have reducedlevels of undesirable bitter tastants or that have reduced or thatcompletely lack bitter taste. This aversion to products containingundesirable bitter tastants and/or having undesirable bitter taste maybe caused by perception of bitter tastants and/or bitter taste mediatedby activation of bitter receptors present in the oral cavity and/or inthe gastrointestinal tract. In many cases, consumer dislike of bittertastants and/or bitter taste prevents or hampers improvement of thenutritive quality and safety of foods as desired levels of nutrients orpreservatives comprising bitter tastants and/or having bitter tastecannot be used. Also, dislike of or aversion to the bitter tastants orbitter taste of some pharmaceutical agents negatively impacts compliancewith prescribed regimens for their use.

For instance, several additives, preservatives, emulsifiers andfoodstuffs used in the production of food products comprise bittertastants and/or have a bitter taste. While these additives,preservatives, emulsifiers and foodstuffs may affect the taste of a foodproduct, they may also be important for improving the shelf life,nutritive quality, or texture of the food product. For example, theincreasing trend of hypertension and cardiovascular disease has beenattributed, in part, to the high sodium intake of the Western diet.Accordingly, substitution of sodium chloride with another salty tastingcompound is desirable. The most common sodium chloride substitute ispotassium chloride, which, to a portion of the population, is perceivedas possessing a bitter taste in addition to its salty taste. The bittertaste of potassium chloride limits the extent to which it may be used toreplace sodium chloride in foods without causing undesired bitter tastefor the portion of the population sensitive to it.

Another common food additive, sodium lactate, has a broad antimicrobialaction, is effective at inhibiting spoilage, and growth of pathogenicbacteria, and is commonly used in food products (e.g., meat and poultryproducts) to extend shelf life and increase food safety. Due to itssodium content, however, sodium lactate, can be undesirable as apreservative. Potassium lactate, which has similar antimicrobialproperties, has been used in lieu of sodium lactate. However, potassiumlactate is also associated with a bitter taste which limits the extentto which it may be used to replace sodium lactate in foods withoutcausing undesired bitter taste.

In addition, the increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes has beenattributed, in part, to the high sugar intake of many diets.Accordingly, substitution of sugar with another sweet tasting compoundis desirable. Artificial and natural sugar substitutes that may be usedto reduce sugar in foods are often associated with bitter taste whichagain limit the extent to which these may be used to replace sugar infoods without causing adverse bitter taste. For example, a common sugarsubstitute is Acesulfame K, which also has a bitter taste in addition toits sweet taste.

Without being limited by theory, bitter, sweet, and umami tastants andcompounds typically elicit a taste response via G-protein coupledreceptors, while salty and sour tastants and compounds are typicallyhypothesized to elicit a taste response via ion channels. Bitter tastereceptors belong to the T2R (also referred to as TAS2R) family ofG-protein coupled receptors that induce intracellular calciumconcentration changes in response to a bitter tastant. T2R receptors actvia gustducin, a taste-specific G-protein. There are at leasttwenty-five different members of the T2R family, suggesting that theperception of bitter taste is complex, involving several differenttastant-receptor interactions. Compounds capable of modulating theactivation and/or signaling of bitter taste receptors in the oral cavityand/or the gastrointestinal tract could be effective to allow desiredusage levels of bitter tastants or bitter tasting substances in food andpharmaceutical products without resulting in consumer dislike of suchproducts due to perception of the increased levels of bitter tastants orbitter tastes. In some instances, blockers or modulators of bitter tastereceptors and bitter taste may reduce the perception of bitter tastantsand/or bitter taste via the bitter taste receptors and/or tastetransduction signaling machinery present in the oral cavity and/or thegastrointestinal tract.

Traditionally in food preparation and pharmaceuticals, bitter taste wasmasked using sweeteners and other tastants, including salt. In somecases, however, this is undesirable or insufficient because it canalter, mask, or interfere with other tastes/flavors/impressions (e.g.,non bitter tastes or desired bitter tastes) in the food product.Additionally, this approach has rarely been able to completely mask thebitter taste present in such food products or pharmaceuticals. For thatreason, compounds which reduce bitter taste instead of, or in additionto, masking agents are preferred.

It is, therefore, desirable to provide compounds that may be added tofood products, consumer products and pharmaceuticals comprising bittertastants or having a bitter taste to eliminate, modulate or reduce theperception of the bitter tastants or bitter taste or to reduce thecorresponding activation of the bitter receptors in the oral cavityand/or the gastrointestinal tract. Similarly, it is desirable to providefood products, consumer products, and pharmaceutical compositionscomprising such compounds. It is also desirable to decrease the sodiumintake of a subject using such compounds to eliminate, modulate orreduce the perception of bitter taste associated with salt substitutes.It is further desirable to decrease the sugar intake of a subject usingsuch compounds to eliminate, modulate or reduce the perception of bittertaste associated with sugar substitutes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides compounds that modulate bitter taste,edible compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of preparingsuch edible compositions. The present invention also provides methods ofreducing the amount of sodium or sugar in an edible composition andmethods of reducing bitter taste of an edible composition. The presentinvention further provides a method of reducing, modulating oreliminating the bitter taste of a food, consumer or pharmaceuticalproduct in a subject. The present invention also provides a method ofmodulating, particularly reducing the activation of a bitter tastereceptor.

Edible Compositions

One aspect of the present invention provides edible compositions forreducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant. In some embodiments, theedible composition comprises a terpenoid compound. In some embodiments,the terpenoid compound is a compound having a molecular weight less thanabout 1000, 500, or 300 daltons. In certain embodiments, the terpenoidcompound is a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa),Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula(IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd),Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula(IIg), and Formula (IIh) or Compounds 1-41 or a comestibly orbiologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer ordiastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is selected from thegroup consisting of damascene compounds (e.g., β-damascone,trans-α-damascone), ionone compounds (e.g., β-ionone, α-ionone,γ-ionone, and dihydro-α-ionone, particularly either β-ionone orα-ionone), nerol, geranyl isovalerate, geranyl acetone, neryl acetate,geranyl propionate, geranyl butyrate, citronellyl propionate,citronellyl isobutyrate, citral diethyl acetal, geranyl phenylacetate,geranyl formate, DL-citronellol, neryl isovalerate, citronellyl acetate,citral dimethyl acetal, citral, geranial, neral, neryl butyrate,citronellal, hydroxycitronellal, citronellyl valerate, geraniol, nerylisobutyrate, geranyl acetate, citronellyl formate, andhydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal or a comestibly or biologicallyacceptable salt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomerthereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition comprises a chromancompound. In some embodiments, the chroman compound is a compound havinga molecular weight less than about 1000, 500, or 300 daltons. In certainembodiments, the chroman compound is a compound of Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), or Formula (VIIa) or Compounds 42-53 or acomestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, or anenantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (V) is selected from thegroup consisting of pentamethyl-6-chromanol, α-tocopherol,(+)-β-tocopherol, (+)-α-tocopherol acetate, D-α-tocopherol succinate,DL-α-tocopherol acetate. Vitamin E acetate, 4-chromanol anddihydrocoumarin.

In some embodiments, the edible composition comprises a benzoring-containing compound. In some embodiments, the benzo ring-containingcompound is a compound having a molecular weight less than about 1000,500, or 300 daltons. In certain embodiments, the benzo ring-containingcompound is a compound of Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb),Formula (IXc), or Formula (IXd) or Compounds 54-71 or a comestibly orbiologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer ordiastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) is selected fromthe group consisting of benzoic acid, ethyl benzoate, propyl benzoate,phenethyl benzoate, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl para-hydroxybenzoate,ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate, butyl paraben, 4-methoxybenzoic acid,3-methoxybenzoic acid, 2-methoxybenzoic acid, 4-propoxybenzoic acid,methyl-ortho-methoxy benzoate, para-hydroxybenzyl alcohol,α-methylbenzyl alcohol, and 4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2-methoxyphenol.

In some embodiments, the edible composition comprises one or morepolycyclic compounds. In some embodiments, the polycyclic compound is acompound having a molecular weight less than about 1000, 500, 300 or 200daltons. In certain embodiments, the polycyclic compound has a bicycliccore with a one-carbon transannular bridge, such as a compound ofFormula (XI) or Formula (XII) or Compounds 72-94 or a comestibly orbiologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer ordiastereomer thereof.

The present invention also includes edible compositions comprising acompound according to any one of Compounds 95-134 or comestibly orbiologically acceptable salts or derivatives thereof, or enantiomers ordiastereomers thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition comprises (a) a compound ofthe invention; and (b) a bitter tastant. In some embodiments, thecompound of the invention is a compound having a molecular weight lessthan about 1000, 500, or 300 daltons. In certain embodiments, thecompound of the invention is a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia),Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula(IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId),Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula(IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula(VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb),Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), asdescribed herein, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the edible composition comprises (a) any one ofCompounds 1-134, or combinations thereof; and (b) a bitter tastant.

In another embodiment, the edible composition comprises (a) any one ofCompounds 1-58, or 61-134, or combinations thereof; and (b) a bittertastant.

According to the invention, the bitter tastant can be inherent in, e.g.,a food product (such as coffee or chocolate) or can be a component of anedible composition (such as a bitter tasting preservative). In someembodiments, the bitter tastant present in the edible composition is abitter tasting salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant present inthe edible composition is a potassium salt, a magnesium salt, or acalcium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is a potassiumsalt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant present in the ediblecompositions is KCl. In other embodiments, the bitter tastant present inthe edible composition is potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprises a sodiumsalt. In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprisesNaCl. In other embodiments, the edible composition further comprisessodium lactate. In some embodiments, the edible composition furthercomprises sugar.

In another aspect of the invention, the edible composition is a foodproduct comprising at least one compound of the invention. In certainembodiments, the compound of the invention is a compound of Formula (I),Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula(XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof. In anotherembodiment, the compound of the invention is any one of Compounds 1-134,or combinations thereof.

In another aspect of the present invention, the edible composition is apharmaceutical composition comprising a bitter tasting pharmaceuticallyactive ingredient and a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula(IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc),Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula(IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf),Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb),Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula(IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as describedherein, or combinations thereof. In another embodiments, thepharmaceutical composition comprises a bitter tasting pharmaceuticallyactive ingredient and any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinationsthereof.

In yet other embodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient, a bittertastant, and a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa),Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula(IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd),Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula(IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula(VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprises a pharmaceutically active ingredient, a bittertastant, and any one of Compounds 1-134, as described herein, orcombinations thereof.

In another aspect of the present invention, the edible composition is aconsumer product comprising a bitter tastant and a compound of Formula(I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula(XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof. In anotherembodiments, the consumer product comprises a bitter tastant and any oneof Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a consumerproduct for reducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant, wherein saidconsumer product comprises a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia),Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula(IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId),Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula(IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula(VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb),Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), asdescribed herein, or combinations thereof. In yet other embodiments, theconsumer product for reducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant comprisesany one of Compounds 1-134, as described herein, or combinationsthereof.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method ofpreparing an edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) providing a comestibly acceptable carrier; and    -   (b) adding to the comestibly acceptable carrier of (a) a        compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula        (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula        (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula        (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula        (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa),        Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),        Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or        Formula (XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the method of preparing an edible compositioncomprises:

-   -   (a) providing a comestibly acceptable carrier; and    -   (b) adding to the comestibly acceptable carrier of (a) any one        of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product, aconsumer product or a pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments,the comestibly acceptable carrier is a foodstuff, a food product, or apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In some embodiments, the comestibly acceptable carrier in (a) isinherently bitter. In such embodiments, the comestibly acceptablecarrier may inherently contain a bitter tastant (i.e., the comestiblyacceptable carrier is bitter without addition of a bitter tastant). Insome embodiments, the inherent bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt.In some embodiments, the inherently bitter foodstuff comprises apotassium salt, a magnesium salt, or a calcium salt. In someembodiments, the inherently bitter foodstuff comprises a potassium salt,such as KCl.

In other embodiments, the method of preparing an edible compositionfurther comprises: (c) adding a bitter tastant. In some embodiments, thebitter tastant used in the methods of preparing an edible composition isa bitter tasting salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant used inthe methods of preparing an edible composition is a potassium salt, amagnesium salt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the bittertastant used in the methods of preparing an edible composition is apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant used in themethods of preparing an edible composition is KCl. In other embodiments,the bitter tastant used in the methods of preparing an ediblecomposition is potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprises a sodiumsalt. In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprisesNaCl. In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprisessodium lactate. In some embodiments, the edible composition furthercomprises sugar.

The present invention also provides a method of reducing the amount ofsodium in an edible composition. In some embodiments, such methodscomprise:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of one or more sodium salts used in        preparing an edible composition with an amount of one or more        potassium salts; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the method of reducing the amount of sodium in anedible composition comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of one or more sodium salts used its        preparing an edible composition with an amount of one or more        potassium salts; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product, aconsumer product or a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the method of reducing theamount of sodium in an edible composition, comprises incorporating intothe edible composition an amount of the compound sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 25% of the sodium present in an edible compositionwith potassium. In other embodiments, the amount of the compoundincorporated into the edible composition is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 50% of the sodium present in an edible compositionwith potassium. In yet other embodiments, the amount of the compoundincorporated into the edible composition is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 75% of the sodium present in an edible compositionwith potassium. In other embodiments, the amount of the compoundincorporated into the edible composition is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 100% of the sodium present in an edible compositionwith potassium. In some embodiments, the edible composition maintains asalty flavor.

The present invention also provides a method of reducing the amount ofNaCl in an edible composition. In some embodiments, such methodscomprise:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of NaCl used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of KCl; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the method of reducing the amount of NaCl in anedible composition comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of NaCl used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of KCl; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the method of reducing theamount of sodium in an edible composition, comprises incorporating intothe edible composition an amount of the compound sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 25% of the NaCl present its an edible compositionwith KCl. In other embodiments, the amount of the compound incorporatedinto the edible composition is sufficient to permit replacement of up to50% of the NaCl present in an edible composition with KCl. In yet otherembodiments, the amount of the compound incorporated into the ediblecomposition is sufficient to permit replacement of up to 75% of the NaClpresent in an edible composition with KCl. In other embodiments, theamount of the compound incorporated into the edible composition issufficient to permit replacement of up to 100% of the NaCl present in anedible composition with KCl. In some embodiments, the edible compositionmaintains a salty flavor.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofreducing the amount of sodium lactate in an edible compositioncomprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of reducing theamount of sodium lactate in an edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product, aconsumer product or a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the method of reducing theamount of sodium lactate in an edible composition, comprisesincorporating into the edible composition an amount of the compoundsufficient to permit replacement of up to 25% of the sodium lactatepresent in an edible composition with potassium lactate. In otherembodiments, the amount of the compound incorporated into the ediblecomposition is sufficient to permit replacement of up to 50% of thesodium lactate present in an edible composition with potassium lactate.In yet other embodiments, the amount of the compound incorporated intothe edible composition is sufficient to permit replacement of up to 75%of the sodium lactate present in an edible composition with potassiumlactate. In other embodiments, the amount of the compound incorporatedinto the edible composition is sufficient to permit replacement of up to100% of the sodium lactate present in an edible composition withpotassium lactate. In some embodiments, the edible composition has thesame shelf life as an edible composition comprising sodium lactate.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of reducing theamount of sugar in an edible composition comprising:

(a) replacing an amount of sugar used in preparing an edible compositionwith an amount of Acesulfame K; and

(b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective amount of acompound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula(IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc),Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula(IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg),Formula (IIb), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula(VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of reducing theamount of sugar in an edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sugar used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of Acesulfame K; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product, aconsumer product or a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the method of reducing theamount of sugar in an edible composition, comprises incorporating intothe edible composition an amount of the compound sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 25% of the sugar present in an edible compositionwith Acesulfame K. In other embodiments, the amount of the compoundincorporated into the edible composition is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 50% of the sugar present in an edible compositionwith Acesulfame K. In yet other embodiments, the amount of the compoundincorporated into the edible composition is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 75% of the sugar present in an edible compositionwith Acesulfame K. In other embodiments, the amount of the compoundincorporated into the edible composition is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 100% of the sugar present in an edible compositionwith Acesulfame K. In some embodiments, the edible composition maintainsa sweet flavor.

The present invention also provides a method of reducing the sodiumintake of a subject. Such method comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of NaCl used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of KCl; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVe), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, thereby reducing the sodium        intake of the subject.

In another embodiment, the method of reducing the sodium intake of asubject comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of NaCl used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of KCl; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof,        thereby reducing the sodium intake of the subject.

In another embodiment, the method of reducing the sodium intake of asubject comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, thereby reducing the sodium        intake of the subject.

In another embodiment, the method of reducing the sodium intake of asubject comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof,        thereby reducing the sodium intake of the subject.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product, aconsumer product or a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the methods of reducingthe sodium intake of a subject further comprise (c) identifying asubject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the methods of reducingthe sodium intake of a subject comprise incorporating into the ediblecomposition an amount of the compound sufficient to reduce sodium intakeby up to 25% using potassium replacement. In other embodiments, theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sodium intake byup to 50% using potassium replacement. In yet other embodiments, theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sodium intake byup to 75% using potassium replacement. In other embodiments, the amountof compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sodium intake by up to100% using potassium replacement.

The present invention also provides a method of reducing sugar intake ofa subject comprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sugar used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of Acesulfame K; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, thereby reducing the sugar        intake of the subject.

In another embodiment, the method of reducing the sugar intake of asubject comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sugar used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of Acesulfame K; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof,        thereby reducing the sugar intake of the subject.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product, aconsumer product or a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the methods of reducingthe sugar intake of a subject further comprises (c) identifying asubject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the methods of reducingthe sugar intake of a subject comprise incorporating into the ediblecomposition an amount of the compound sufficient to reduce sugar intakeby up to 25% using Acesulfame K replacement. In other embodiments, theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sugar intake byup to 50% using Acesulfame K replacement. In yet other embodiments, theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sugar intake byup to 75% using Acesulfame K replacement. In other embodiments, theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sugar intake byup to 100% using Acesulfame K replacement.

The present invention also provides a method of reducing the bittertaste attributed to a bitter tastant in an edible composition comprisingadding an effective amount of a compound according to Formula (I),Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula(XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, to the ediblecomposition such that any bitter taste induced by the bitter tastant isreduced. In other embodiments, the compound added to the ediblecomposition is any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof.

The present invention further provides a method of reducing the bittertaste attributed to a bitter tastant in an edible composition comprisingingesting an effective amount of a compound according to Formula (I),Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula(XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, before, along with,or after the edible composition such that any bitter taste induced bythe bitter tastant is reduced. In other embodiments, the compoundingested with the edible composition is any one of Compounds 1-134, orcombinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product, aconsumer product or a pharmaceutical composition.

In some embodiments, the method reduces the bitter taste induced by thebitter tastant by up to 25%. In some embodiments, the method reduces thebitter taste induced by the bitter tastant by up to 50%. In otherembodiments, the bitter taste induced by the bitter tastant is reducedby up to 75%. In yet other embodiments, the bitter taste induced by thebitter tastant is reduced by up to 100%. In some embodiments, the bittertastant present in the edible composition is a bitter tasting salt. Insome embodiments, the bitter tastant present in the edible compositionis a potassium salt, a magnesium salt, or a calcium salt. In someembodiments, the bitter tastant present in the edible compositions isKCl.

In further aspect, the present invention provides a method of preservingan edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) providing an edible composition; and    -   (b) adding to the edible composition of (a) potassium lactate        and an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I), Formula        (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula        (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula        (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula        (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula        (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula        (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula        (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as        described herein, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the method of preserving an edible compositioncomprises:

-   -   (a) providing an edible composition; and    -   (b) adding to the edible composition of (a) potassium lactate        and an effective amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or        combinations thereof.

The present invention also provides a method of reducing the amount ofsodium in an edible composition while preserving the edible composition.In some embodiments, such method comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIb),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof.

The present invention also provides a method of reducing the amount ofsodium in an edible composition while preserving the edible composition.In some embodiments, such method comprises:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition.

The present invention also provides a method of reducing or eliminatingbitter taste in a subject utilizing an edible composition comprising acompound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula(IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula(IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula(IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof. In other embodiments, the composition that reducesor eliminates a bitter taste in a subject comprises any one of Compounds1-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments the bitter taste is inherent. In some embodiments,the bitter taste is due to a bitter tasting salt. In some embodiments,the bitter taste is due to a potassium salt, a magnesium salt, or acalcium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter taste is due to KCl. Inother embodiments, the bitter taste is due to potassium lactate.

The present invention also provides a method of inhibiting or reducingthe activation and/or signaling of a bitter taste receptor, wherein themethod comprises contacting a bitter taste receptor with a compound ofFormula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb),Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula(IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula(IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) orFormula (XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof. In otherembodiments, the method comprises contacting a bitter taste receptorwith any one of Compounds 1-134, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the bitter taste receptor is in the oral cavity. In otherembodiments, the bitter taste receptor is in the gastrointestinal tract,for example, in the stomach. In other embodiments, the bitter tastereceptor is in an in vitro assay.

Particular embodiments of the invention are set forth in the followingnumbered paragraphs:

1. A composition comprising a compound according to Formula (I):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,        C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy,        C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy, phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate,        phosphinate, amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, sulfhydryl, C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate,        sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, wherein        heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for each        occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen C₁₋₁₀alkyl,        C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₆acylamino, C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆-alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O or —O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently, is optionally        substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group        consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;        and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently        for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N,        O, and S; and    -   m is 0-2;    -   n is 0-2;    -   p is 0-2;    -   t is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (I) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds;    -   wherein the composition is edible and capable of reducing bitter        taste of a bitter tastant.

2. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₆acyloxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and        C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,        C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₆acyloxy;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently, is optionally        substituted as in paragraph 1; and    -   m is 0-2;    -   n is 0-2;    -   p is 0-2;    -   t is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (I) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

3. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydroxyl, C₁₋₃alkoxy, and C₁₋₃acyloxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl,        C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and        C₁₋₃alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,        C₁₋₃alkoxy, and C₁₋₃acyloxy;    -   m is 1;    -   n is 0;    -   p is 1; and    -   t is 1;    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

4. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (Ia):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,        C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy,        C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy, phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate,        phosphinate, amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, sulfhydryl, C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate,        sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, wherein        heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for each        occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen C₁₋₁₀alkyl,        C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₆acylamino, C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O or —O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently, is optionally        substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group        consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;        and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently        for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N,        O, and S; and    -   m is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (Ia) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

5. The composition according to paragraph 4, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₆acyloxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and        C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,        C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₁₆acyloxy;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently, is optionally        substituted as noted above; and    -   m is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (Ia) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

6. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (IIa):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 1.

7. The composition according to paragraph 6, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (IIa) is a compound according to Formula (IIIa):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R² is as defined in paragraph 6.

8. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (IIb):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 1.

9. The composition according to paragraph 8, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (IIb) is a compound according to Formula (IIIb):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R² is as defined in paragraph 8.

10. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (IIc):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an    -   enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence and        stability permit, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined in paragraph        1.

11. The composition according to paragraph 10, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (IIc) is a compound according to Formula (IIIc):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 10.

12. The composition according to paragraph 11, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (IIIc) is a compound according to Formula (IVc):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R⁴ is as defined in paragraph 11.

13. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (IId):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined        in paragraph 1.

14. The composition according to paragraph 13, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (IId) is a compound according to Formula (IIId):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R², R³ and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 13.

15. The composition according to paragraph 14, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (IIId) is a compound according to Formula (IVd):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R⁴ is as defined in paragraph 14.

16. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (IIe):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined        in paragraph 1.

17. The composition according to paragraph 16, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (IIe) is a compound according to Formula (IIIe):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R², R³ and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 16.

18. The composition according to paragraph 17, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (IIIe) is a compound according to Formula (IVe):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R⁴ is as defined in paragraph 17.

19. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (IIf):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 1.

20. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (IIg):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R¹ and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 1.

21. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is a compound according to Formula (IIh):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R¹, R³, and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 1.

22. The composition according to paragraph 1, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (I) is selected from the group consisting of:

comestibly or biologically acceptable derivatives thereof, or anenantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

23. A composition comprising a compound according to Formula (V):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹, independently for each occurrence, is selected from the        group consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₁₋₂₁haloalkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₁₋₂₁haloalkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   or R⁴ and R⁵ together form ═O or —O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵, independently and        independently for each occurrence, is optionally substituted        with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl, carboxyl,        C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;        and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently        for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N,        O, and S; and    -   n is 0-3;    -   wherein the composition is edible and capable of reducing bitter        taste of a bitter tastant.

24. The composition according to paragraph 23, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   R¹, independently for each occurrence, is selected from the        group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl,        C₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆acyloxy optionally substituted by hydroxyl,        amino, mono- or disubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,        C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy, wherein        R⁴ is optionally substituted by one or more occurrences of        hydroxyl or acetyloxy;    -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,        C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy, wherein        R⁵ is optionally substituted by one or more occurrences of        hydroxyl or acetyloxy;    -   or R⁴ and R⁵ together form ═O;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵, independently and        independently for each occurrence, is optionally further        substituted as in paragraph 1;    -   and    -   n is 0-3.

25. The composition according to paragraph 23, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (V) is a compound according to Formula (VIa);

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R² and R⁴ are as defined in        paragraph 23, wherein the carbon marked with * optionally has R        or S stereochemistry or is a mixture of R and S stereochemistry.

26. The composition according to paragraph 25, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (VIa) is a compound according to Formula (VIIa):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R⁶ selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl; or        C₁₋₆acyl optionally substituted by hydroxyl, amino, mono- or        disubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl; and    -   wherein the carbon marked with * optionally has R or S        stereochemistry or is a mixture of R and S stereochemistry.

27. The composition according to paragraph 23, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (V) is a compound according to Formula (VIb):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are as defined in        paragraph 23.

28. The composition according to paragraph 23, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (V) is selected from the group consisting of:

comestibly or biologically acceptable derivatives thereof, orenantiomers or diastereomers thereof.

29. A composition comprising a compound according to Formula (VIII):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹, independently for each occurrence, is selected from the        group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₁₋₁₀alkynyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   or R² and R³ together form ═O or —O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate,        phosphinate, cyano, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonyl,        C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl, wherein        heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for each        occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;

wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently and independently foreach occurrence, is optionally substituted with 1-3 substituentsselected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo,hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy, phosphoryl, phosphate,phosphonate, phosphinate, amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino,C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino, C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido,sulfhydryl, C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide,sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl,C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl,and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl; and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromaticrings, independently for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatomsselected from N, O, and S; and

-   -   n is 0-3;    -   wherein the composition is edible and capable of reducing bitter        taste of a bitter tastant.

30. The composition according to paragraph 29, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   R¹, independently for each occurrence, is selected from the        group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl,        C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆acyl;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   or R² and R³ together form ═O;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, and C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently and        independently for each occurrence, is optionally further        substituted as in paragraph 29; and    -   n is 0-3.

31. The composition according to paragraph 29, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (VIII) is a compound according to Formula (IXa):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as        valence and stability permit, R⁴ is as defined in paragraph 29.

32. The composition according to paragraph 29, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (VIII) is a compound according to Formula (IXb):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ and R⁴ are as defined in paragraph 29; and    -   m is 0-2.

33. The composition according to paragraph 29, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (VIII) is a compound according to Formula (IXc):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ and R⁴ are as defined its paragraph 29;    -   R⁵ is C₁₋₆alkyl; and    -   m is 0-2.

34. The composition according to paragraph 29, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (VIII) is a compound according to Formula (IXd):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹, R³, and R⁴ are as defined in paragraph 29; and    -   m is 0-2.

35. The composition according to paragraph 29, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (VIII) is selected from the group consisting of:

comestibly or biologically acceptable derivatives thereof, orenantiomers or diastereomers thereof.

36. A composition comprising a compound according to Formula (XI):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,    -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹, R², R³, R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and        C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        -   wherein each of R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ may be optionally            independently substituted with one or more substituents            selected from the group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH,            ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),            —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),            —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),            —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and            —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂, and    -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy, C₁₋₁₀alkylester,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester, C₁₋₁₀alkylamide,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester;        -   wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with one or more            substituents selected from the group consisting of halo,            —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,            —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂, C₁₋₁₀acyl,            C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy,            C₁₋₁₀alkylester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester,            C₁₋₁₀alkylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide,            C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and            C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester,    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        -   wherein R⁵ may be optionally independently substituted with            one or more substituents selected from the group consisting            of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₂₋₁₀alkyl),            —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,            —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂; wherein R⁶ and R⁷            are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and            C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,            -   wherein each C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl                may be optionally independently substituted with one or                more substituents selected from the group consisting of                halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,                —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single        bond, X is selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—,        —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—;    -   provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents a        double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted        line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present;    -   wherein the composition is edible and capable of reducing bitter        taste of a bitter tastant.

37. The composition according to paragraph 36, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, C₁₋₆acyloxy,        C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester;    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and            C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R^(a) are        independently optionally substituted as in paragraph 36;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single        bond, X is selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—,        —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—;    -   provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents a        double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted        line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present.

38. The composition according to paragraph 37, wherein as valence andstability permit: R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, andC₂₋₆alkynyl;

-   -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, C₁₋₆acyloxy,        C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester;        -   wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with one or more            substituents selected from the group consisting of —OH, ═O,            —SH, and ═S;    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and            C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single        bond, X is selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—,        —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—;    -   provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents a        double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted        line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present.

39. The composition according to paragraph 38, wherein as valence andstability permit: R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, andC₂₋₃alkynyl;

-   -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆acyl;        -   wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with ═O or ═S;    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and            C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single        bond, X is selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—,        —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—;    -   provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents a        double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted        line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present.

40. The composition according to paragraph 39, wherein as valence andstability permit: R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, andC₂₋₃alkynyl;

-   -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl;        -   wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with ═O or ═S;    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and            C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is ═C(R^(a))—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the dotted line represents a single bond, X is        selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂— and —O—;    -   provided that when the dotted line represents a double bond, R⁵        is absent, and when the bond with the dotted line represents a        single bond, R⁴ is present

41. A composition comprising a compound according to Formula (XII):

-   -   or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative        thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,    -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl;        -   wherein R¹ and R² may be optionally independently            substituted with one or more substituents selected from the            group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,            —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy, C₁₋₁₀alkylester,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester, C₁₋₁₀alkylamide,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester;        -   wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently            substituted with one or more substituents selected from the            group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,            —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂,            C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy,            C₁₋₁₀alkylester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester,            C₁₋₁₀alkylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide,            C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and            C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester; and    -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, N(R^(a)),        —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or        ═S, then R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent,        -   wherein R^(a) is selected from the group consisting of            hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,    -   wherein each C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl may be        optionally independently substituted with one or more        substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, —OH,        ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),        —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),        —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),        —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and        —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂;    -   wherein the composition is edible and capable of reducing bitter        taste of a bitter tastant.

42. The composition according to paragraph 41, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl,        C₁₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and        C₁₋₆alkynylester; X and Y are independently selected from the        group consisting of a direct bond, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl,        C₂₋₆alkynyl, N(R^(a)), —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when        either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then R³ and R⁴, respectively, are        absent,    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R^(a) are independently        optionally substituted as noted in paragraph 41; and    -   wherein R^(a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl.

43. The composition according to paragraph 42, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl,        C₂₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and        C₁₋₆alkynylester;    -   wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently        substituted with one or more substituents selected from the        group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₆acyloxy,        C₁₋₆acylthioxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester,        C₁₋₆alkynylester, C₁₋₆alkylthioester, C₁₋₆alkenylthioester, and        C₁₋₆alkynylthioester;    -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, N(R^(a)),        —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or        ═S, then R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent, and    -   wherein R^(a) is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl.

44. The composition according to paragraph 43, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, and C₂₋₄alkynyl;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, and C₁₋₄acyl;    -   wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently        substituted with one or more substituents selected from the        group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₄acyloxy,        C₁₋₄acylthioxy, C₁₋₄alkylester, C₁₋₄alkenylester,        C₁₋₄alkynylester, C₁₋₄alkylthioester, C₁₋₄alkenylthioester, and        C₁₋₄alkynylthioester; and    -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, —O—, —S—,        ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then        R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent.

45. The composition according to paragraph 44, wherein as valence andstability permit:

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, and C₂₋₄alkynyl;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently absent or independently selected        from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl,        C₂₋₄alkynyl, C₁₋₄acyl;

wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently substitutedwith one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of —OH,═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₄acyloxy, C₁₋₄alkylester, C₁₋₄alkenylester, andC₁₋₄alkynylester; and

-   -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, —O—, —S—,        ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then        R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent.

46. The composition according to paragraph 36, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (XI) is selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   or comestibly or biologically acceptable derivatives thereof, or        enantiomers or diastereomer thereof.

47. The composition according to paragraph 41, wherein said compoundaccording to Formula (XII) is selected from the group consisting of:

or comestibly or biologically acceptable derivatives thereof, orenantiomers or diastereomers thereof.

48. A composition comprising a compound selected from the groupconsisting of:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof;

-   -   wherein the composition is edible and capable of reducing bitter        taste of a bitter tastant.

49. A composition comprising:

-   -   (a) a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula        (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula        (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula        (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula        (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),        Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII),        Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd),        Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, or        combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as        described herein, or combinations thereof; and    -   (b) a bitter tastant,    -   wherein the composition is edible.

50. The composition according to paragraph 49, wherein the bittertastant is a foodstuff.

51. The composition according to paragraph 49, wherein the bittertastant is a bitter tasting salt.

52. The composition according to paragraph 51, wherein the bittertasting salt is a magnesium salt, a calcium salt, or a potassium salt.

53. The composition according to paragraph 52, wherein the potassiumcontaining salt is KCl or potassium lactate.

54. The composition of any one of paragraphs 1-53, wherein the ediblecomposition further comprises one or more components selected from thegroup consisting of: NaCl, sodium lactate, and sugar.

55. A food product comprising the compositions of any one of paragraphs1-54.

56. A method of preparing an edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) providing a comestibly acceptable carrier; and    -   (b) adding to the comestibly acceptable carrier of (a) a        compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa),        Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc),        Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId),        Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe),        Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),        Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII),        Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd),        Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, or        combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as        described herein, or combinations thereof.

57. The method according to paragraph 56, wherein said comestiblyacceptable carrier is inherently bitter.

58. The method according to paragraph 57, wherein the comestiblyacceptable carrier comprises a bitter tasting salt.

59. The method according to paragraph 58, wherein the bitter tastingsalt is a magnesium salt, a calcium salt, or a potassium salt.

60. The method according to paragraph 59, wherein the potassium salt isKCl or potassium lactate.

61. The method according to any one of paragraphs 56-60, wherein theedible composition further comprises one or more components selectedfrom the group consisting of: NaCl, sodium lactate, and sugar.

62. The method according to paragraph 56, wherein the method furthercomprises:

-   -   (c) adding a bitter tastant.

63. The method according to paragraph 62, wherein the bitter tastant isa bitter tasting salt.

64. The method according to paragraph 63, wherein the bitter tastingsalt is a magnesium salt, a calcium salt, or a potassium salt.

65. The method according to paragraph 64, wherein the potassium salt isKCl or potassium lactate.

66. The method according to any one of paragraphs 62-65, wherein theedible composition further comprises one or more components selectedfrom the group consisting of: NaCl, sodium lactate, and sugar.

67. A method of reducing the amount of NaCl in an edible compositioncomprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of NaCl used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of KCl; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134,        as described herein, or combinations thereof.

68. The method according to paragraph 67, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement, of the amount of NaCltypically present, in the edible composition by up to 25%.

69. The method according to paragraph 67, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of NaCltypically present in the edible composition by up to 50%.

70. The method according to paragraph 67, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of NaCltypically present in the edible composition by up to 75%.

71. The method according to paragraph 67, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of NaCltypically present in the edible composition by up to 100%.

72. The method according to any one of paragraphs 67-71, wherein theedible composition maintains a salty flavor.

73. A method of reducing the amount of sodium lactate in an ediblecomposition comprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134        as described herein, or combinations thereof.

74. The method according to paragraph 73, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of sodiumlactate typically present in the edible composition by up to 25%.

75. The method according to paragraph 73, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of sodiumlactate typically present in the edible composition by up to 50%.

76. The method according to paragraph 73, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of sodiumlactate typically present in the edible composition by up to 75%.

77. The method according to paragraph 73, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of sodiumlactate typically present in the edible composition by up to 100%.

78. The method according to any one of paragraphs 73-77, wherein theedible composition has the same shelf life as an edible compositioncomprising sodium lactate.

79. A method of reducing the amount of sugar in an edible compositioncomprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sugar present an edible composition        with an amount of Acesulfame K; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134,        as described herein, or combinations thereof.

80. The method according to paragraph 79, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of sugartypically present in the edible composition by up to 25%.

81. The method according to paragraph 79, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of sugartypically present in the edible composition by up to 50%.

82. The method according to paragraph 79, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of sugartypically present in the edible composition by up to 75%.

83. The method according to paragraph 79, wherein the amount of compoundadded in (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of the amount of sugartypically present in the edible composition by up to 100%.

84. The method according to any one of paragraphs 79-83, wherein theedible composition maintains a sweet flavor.

85. A method of reducing the sodium intake of a subject, the methodcomprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of a sodium salt used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of a potassium salt; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134,        as described herein, or combinations thereof.

86. The method according to paragraph 85, wherein the sodium salt isNaCl and the potassium salt is KCl.

87. The method according to paragraph 85, wherein the sodium salt issodium lactate, and the potassium salt is potassium lactate.

88. The method according to any one of paragraphs 85-87, wherein themethod further comprises (c) identifying a subject in need thereof.

89. The method according to any one of paragraphs 85-88, wherein theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sodium intake byup to 25% by replacement with potassium.

90. The method according to any one of paragraphs 85-88, wherein theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sodium intake byup to 50% by replacement with potassium.

91. The method according to any one of paragraphs 85-88, wherein theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sodium intake byup to 75% by replacement with potassium.

92. The method according to any one of paragraphs 85-88, wherein theamount of compound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sodium intake byup to 100% by replacement with potassium.

93. A method of reducing the sugar intake of a subject, the methodcomprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sugar used in preparing an edible        composition with an amount of a Acesulfame K; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134,        as described herein, or combinations thereof.

94. The method according to paragraph 93, wherein the method furthercomprises (c) identifying a subject in need thereof.

95. The method according to paragraph 93 or 94, wherein the amount ofcompound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sugar intake by up to 25%by replacement with Acesulfame K.

96. The method according to paragraph 93 or 94, wherein the amount ofcompound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sugar intake by up to 50%by replacement with Acesulfame K.

97. The method according to paragraph 93 or 94, wherein the amount ofcompound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sugar intake by up to 75%by replacement with Acesulfame K.

98. The method according to paragraph 93 or 94, wherein the amount ofcompound added in (b) is sufficient to reduce sugar intake by up to 100%by replacement with Acesulfame K.

99. A method of reducing bitter taste attributed to a bitter tastant inan edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) adding an effective amount of a compound according to        Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),        Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc),        Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd),        Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf),        Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa),        Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),        Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or        Formula (XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or        any one of Compounds 1-134, as described herein, or combinations        thereof, to the edible composition such that any bitter taste        induced by the bitter tastant is reduced.

100. A method of reducing bitter taste attributed to a bitter tastant inan edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) ingesting an effective amount of a compound according to        Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),        Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc),        Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd),        Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf),        Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa),        Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),        Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or        Formula (XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or        any one of Compounds 1-134, as described herein, or combinations        thereof, along with the edible composition such that any bitter        taste induced by the bitter tastant is reduced.

101. The method according to any one of paragraphs 56-100 or 102-111,wherein the edible composition is a food product, a consumer product, ora pharmaceutical composition.

102. The method according to any one of paragraphs 99-101, wherein thebitter taste induced by the bitter tastant is reduced by up to 25%

103. The method according to any one of paragraphs 99-101, wherein thebitter taste induced by the bitter tastant is reduced by up to 50%

104. The method according to any one of paragraphs 99-101, wherein thebitter taste induced by the bitter tastant is reduced by up to 75%

105. The method according to any one of paragraphs 99-101, wherein thebitter taste induced by the bitter tastant is reduced by up to 100%

106. The method according to any one of paragraphs 99-105, wherein thebitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt.

107. The method according to paragraph 106, wherein the bitter tastingsalt is a magnesium salt, a calcium salt, or a potassium salt.

108. The method according to paragraph 107, wherein the potassium saltis KCl or potassium lactate.

109. The method according to any one of paragraphs 99-108, wherein theedible composition further comprises NaCl, sodium lactate, or sugar.

110. A method of preserving an edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) providing an edible composition; and    -   (b) combining with the edible composition of (a) potassium        lactate and a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134,        as described herein, or combinations thereof.

111. A method of reducing the amount of sodium in an edible compositionwhile preserving the edible composition, the method comprising:

-   -   (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing an        edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate; and    -   (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective        amount of a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb). Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134,        as described herein, or combinations thereof.

112. A method of inhibiting, reducing, or eliminating a bitter taste ina subject comprising:

-   -   (a) placing a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),        Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb),        Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),        Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),        Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh),        Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),        Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),        Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described        herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134,        as described herein, or combinations thereof in the oral cavity        of the subject.

113. The method according to paragraph 112, wherein the bitter taste isdue to a bitter tasting salt.

114. The method according to paragraph 113, wherein the bitter taste isdue to a magnesium salt, a calcium salt, or a potassium salt.

115. The method according to paragraph 114, wherein the bitter taste isdue to KCl or potassium lactate.

116. A pharmaceutical composition comprising:

-   -   (a) a bitter tasting pharmaceutical active ingredient; and    -   (b) a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula        (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula        (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula        (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula        (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),        Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII),        Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd),        Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, or        combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as        described herein, or combinations thereof.

117. A pharmaceutical composition comprising:

-   -   (a) a pharmaceutical active ingredient;    -   (b) a bitter tastant; and    -   (c) a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula        (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula        (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula        (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula        (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),        Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII),        Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd),        Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, or        combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as        described herein, or combinations thereof.

118. A consumer product comprising:

-   -   (a) a bitter tasting ingredient; and    -   (b) a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula        (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula        (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula        (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula        (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),        Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII),        Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd),        Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, or        combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as        described herein, or combinations thereof.

119. A consumer product for reducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant,wherein said consumer product comprises:

-   -   (a) a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula        (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula        (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula        (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula        (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),        Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII),        Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd),        Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, or        combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as        described herein, or combinations thereof.

120. A method of inhibiting a bitter taste receptor comprising:

-   -   (a) contacting the bitter taste receptor with a compound        according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula        (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula        (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula        (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula        (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa),        Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),        Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or        Formula (XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or        any one of Compounds 1-134, as described herein, or combinations        thereof.

121. The method according to paragraph 120, wherein the bitter tastereceptor is in the oral cavity of a subject.

122. The method according to paragraph 120, wherein the bitter tastereceptor is in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject.

123. The method according to paragraph 120, wherein the bitter tastereceptor is present in an in vitro assay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-Q disclose exemplary data for solution and foodstuff tastetesting of the compositions comprising compounds of Formula (I) of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 2A-E disclose exemplary data for solution and foodstuff tastetesting of the compositions comprising compounds of Formula (V) of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 3A-I disclose exemplary data for solution and foodstuff tastetesting of the compositions comprising compounds of Formula (VIII) ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4A-U disclose exemplary data for solution and foodstuff tastetesting of the compositions comprising compounds of Formula (XI),Formula (XII), and compounds 95-134 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order that the invention described herein may be fully understood,the following detailed description is set forth.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as those commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described below. The materials, methods and examples areillustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting. Allpublications, patents and other documents mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety.

Throughout this specification, the word “comprise” or variations such as“comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion ofa stated integer or groups of integers but not the exclusion of anyother integer or group of integers.

The term “acyl” refers to an alkylcarbonyl, alkenylcarbonyl,alkynylcarbonyl or arylcarbonyl substituent, wherein the alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl or aryl portion may be optionally substituted. Examples of acylsubstituents include, but are not limited to, acetyl, propionyl, butyryland benzoyl.

The term “acyloxy” refers to an —O—C(O)R substituent, wherein R isalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl, and wherein the alkyl, alkenyl, alkynylor aryl portion may be optionally substituted. Examples of acyloxygroups include, but are not limited to, acetoxy, propanoyloxy,butanoyloxy, pentanoyloxy and benzoyloxy.

The term “aliphatic” refers to straight chain or branched hydrocarbonsthat are completely saturated or that contain one or more units ofunsaturation. For example, aliphatic groups include substituted orunsubstituted linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl groups.Unless indicated otherwise, the term “aliphatic” encompasses bothsubstituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbons.

The terms “alkylamide,” “alkenylamide and “alkynylamide” refer to amidesof the structures alkyl-NR—C(O)—, alkenyl-NR—C(═O)—, andalkynyl-NR—C(═O)—, wherein R may be separately defined, or R is alsoalkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl.

The term “alkoxy” refers to O-alkyl substituent, wherein the alkylportion may be optionally substituted. Examples of alkoxy substituentsinclude, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxyand n-butoxy. Also explicitly included within the scope of the term“alkoxy” are O-alkenyl or O-alkynyl groups. In all cases, the alkyl,alkene and alkyne portions may be optionally substituted.

The term “alkyl” refers to both straight and branched saturated chainscontaining, for example, 1-3, 1-6, 1-9, or 1-12 carbon atoms. An alkylgroup may be optionally substituted.

The term, “alkylthio” refers to an S-alkyl substituent, wherein thealkyl portion may be optionally substituted. Examples of alkylthiosubstituents include, but are not limited to, methylthio, ethylthio andisopropylthio. Also explicitly included within the scope of the term“alkylthio” are S-alkenyl or S-alkynyl groups. In all cases, the alkyl,alkene and alkyne portions may be optionally substituted.

The term “alkenyl” refers to both straight and branched saturated chainscontaining, for example, 2-3, 2-6, 2-9, or 2-12 carbon atoms, and atleast one carbon-carbon double bond. An alkenyl group may be optionallysubstituted.

The term “alkynyl” refers to both straight and branched saturated chainscontaining, for example, 2-3, 2-6, 2-9, or 2-12 carbon atoms, and atleast one carbon-carbon triple bond. An alkynyl group may be optionallysubstituted.

The term, “aralkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted by an aryl.Also explicitly included within the scope of the term “aralkyl” arealkenyl or alkynyl groups substituted by an aryl. Examples of aralkylgroups include benzyl and phenethyl. An aralkyl group may be optionallysubstituted.

The terms “artificial sweetener” and “sugar substitute” refer to a foodadditive that confers a sweet taste but has less caloric energy thansugar. In some instances, the caloric energy of the “artificialsweetener” or “sugar substitute” is negligible.

The term “aryl” refers to monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic carbon ringsystems having live to fourteen members. Examples of aryl groupsinclude, but are not limited to, phenyl Ph), 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl,1-anthracyl and 2-anthracyl. An aryl group may be optionallysubstituted.

The term “arylalkoxy” refers to a group having the structure —O—R—Ar,where R is alkyl and Ar is an aromatic substituent. Also explicitlyincluded within the scope of the term “arylalkoxy” are —O—R—Ar groups,wherein R is alkenyl or alkynyl. In all cases, the alkyl, alkene, alkyneand aryl portions may be optionally substituted.

The term “bitter” or “bitter taste” as used herein refers to theperception or gustatory sensation resulting following the detection of abitter tastant. The following attributes may contribute to bitter taste:astringent, bitter-astringent, metallic, bitter-metallic, as well asoff-tastes, aftertastes and undesirable tastes including but not limitedto freezer-burn and card-board taste, and/or any combinations of these.It is noted that, in the art, the term “off-taste” is often synonymouswith “bitter taste.” Without being limited by theory, the diversity ofbitter tastes may reflect the large number of bitter receptors and thedifferential detection of bitter tastants by these receptors. Bittertaste as used herein includes activation of a bitter taste receptor by abitter tastant. Bitter taste as used herein also includes activation ofa bitter taste receptor by a bitter tastant followed by downstreamsignaling. Bitter taste as used herein also includes activation of asignaling pathway after stimulation by a bitter tastant. Bitter taste asused herein further includes perception resulting from signalingfollowing the detection of a bitter tastant by a bitter taste receptor.Bitter taste as used herein further includes perception resulting fromsignaling following contacting a bitter taste receptor with a bittertastant. Bitter taste can be perceived in the brain.

The term “bitter taste receptor” refers to a receptor, typically a cellsurface receptor, to which a bitter tastant can bind. Bitter tastereceptors may be present in the oral cavity, and/or throughout thegastrointestinal tract, including the stomach, intestines, and colon.Bitter receptors can also be present in vitro, such as in an assay,including but not limited to a cell based assay or a binding assay.

The term “bitter tastant,” “bitter ligand,” or “bitter compound” refersto a compound that activates or that can be detected by a bitter tastereceptor and/or confers the perception of a bitter taste in a subject. A“bitter tastant” also refers to a multiplicity of compounds that combineto activate or be detected by a bitter taste receptor and/or confer theperception of a bitter taste in a subject. A “bitter tastant” furtherrefers to a compound that is enzymatically modified upon ingestion by asubject to activate or be detected by a bitter taste receptor and/orconfer the perception of a bitter taste in a subject. Because theperception of bitter taste may vary from individual to individual, someindividuals may describe a “bitter tastant” as a compound which confersa different kind of bitter taste compared to the kind of bitter tasteperceived for the same compound by other individuals. The term bittertastant also refers to a compound which confers a bitter taste. Those ofskill in the art can readily identify and understand what is meant by abitter tastant. Non-limiting examples of bitter tastants or substancesincluding foods that comprise a bitter tastant and taste bitter includecoffee, unsweetened cocoa, marmalade, bitter melon, beer, bitters,citrus peel, dandelion greens, escarole, quinine, magnesium salts,calcium salts, potassium salts, KCl, potassium lactate, Acesulfame K,Brussels sprouts, asparagus, bitter gourd, wild cucumber, celery, hops,kohlrabi, radish leaf, ginseng, pumpkin, collard greens, kale,sparteine, caffeine, atropine, nicotine, urea and strychnine.

Further examples of bitter tastants include pharmaceuticals.Non-limiting examples of pharmaceuticals as bitter tastants includeacetaminophen, ampicillin, azithromycin, chlorpheniramine, cimetidine,dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, erythromycin, ibuprofen, penicillin,phenylbutazone, psuedoephedrine, ranitidine, spironolactone andtheophylline all of which have been associated with bitter taste.

The term “carbocyclyl” or “carbocyclic,” refers to monocyclic orpolycyclic non-aromatic carbon ring systems, which may contain aspecified number of carbon atoms, preferably from 3 to 12 carbon atoms,which are completely saturated or which contain one or more units ofunsaturation. A carbocyclic ring system may be monocyclic, bicyclic ortricyclic. A carbocyclyl ring may be fused to another ring, such as anaryl ring or another carbocyclic ring. Examples of carbocyclic ringscould include cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopropyl,cyclohexenyl, cyclopentenyl, indanyl, tetrahydronaphthyl and the like.The term “carbocyclic” or “carbocyclyl,” whether saturated orunsaturated, also refers to rings that are optionally substituted unlessindicated. The term “carbocyclic” or “carbocylyl” also encompasseshybrids of aliphatic and carbocyclic groups, such as (cycloalkyl)alkyl,(cycloalkenyl)alkyl and (cycloalkyl)alkenyl.

The term “comestibly or biologically acceptable salt” refers to anycomestibly or biologically acceptable salt, ester, or salt of suchester, of a compound of the present invention, which, upon ingestion, iscapable of providing (directly or indirectly) a compound of the presentinvention, or a metabolite, residue or portion thereof, characterized bythe ability to reduce the perception of a bitter taste attributed to abitter tastant. Similarly, the term “comestibly or biologicallyacceptable derivative” refers to any comestibly or biologicallyacceptable derivative of a compound of the present invention, which,upon ingestion, is capable of providing (directly or indirectly) acompound of the present invention, or a metabolite, residue or portionthereof, characterized by the ability to reduce the perception of abitter taste attributed to a bitter tastant. A “comestible product” is aproduct suitable for oral use, such as eating or drinking. Therefore, acomestibly acceptable compound is an edible compound.

The term “consumer product” refers to health and beauty products for thepersonal use and/or consumption by a subject. Consumer products may bepresent in any form including, but not limited to, liquids, solids,semi-solids, tablets, capsules, lozenges, strips, powders, gels, gums,pastes, slurries, syrups, aerosols and sprays. Non-limiting examples ofconsumer products include nutriceuticals, nutritional supplements,lipsticks, lip balms, soaps, shampoos, gums, adhesives (e.g., dentaladhesives), toothpastes, oral analgesics, breath fresheners,mouthwashes, tooth whiteners, and other dentifrices.

The term “diet” collectively refers to the food products and/orbeverages consumed by a subject. A subject's “diet” also includes anyconsumer products or pharmaceutical compositions the subject ingests.

The term “edible composition” refers to a composition suitable forconsumption, typically via the oral cavity (although consumption mayoccur via non-oral means such as inhalation). Edible compositions may bepresent in any form including, but not limited to, liquids, solids,semi-solids, tablets, lozenges, powders, gels, gums, pastes, slurries,syrups, aerosols and sprays. As used herein, edible compositions includefood products, pharmaceutical compositions, and consumer products. Theterm edible compositions also refers to, for example, dietary andnutritional supplements. As used herein, edible compositions alsoinclude compositions that are placed within the oral cavity but notswallowed, including professional dental products, such as dentaltreatments, fillings, packing materials, molds and polishes. The term“comestible” refers to similar compositions and is generally used as asynonym to the term “edible.”

The term “effective amount” refers to an amount sufficient to produce adesired property or result. For example, an effective amount of acompound of the present invention is an amount capable of reducing theperception of bitter taste associated with a bitter tastant. The term“effective amount” of a compound of the invention also refers to anamount which, when added to an edible composition, reduces the bittertaste of, e.g., a NaCl substitute, thereby allowing for the maintenanceof the perception of a desired salty flavor of a said ediblecomposition. The term “effective amount of a compound” also refers to anamount which, when added to an edible composition, allows for thepreservation of a food product, while reducing or eliminating bittertaste associated with a bitter tastant in the preservative. The term“effective amount” also refers to the amount of a compound of thepresent invention capable or reducing or eliminating the perception of abitter taste or aftertaste associated with either a bitter tastant in afood product or an inherently bitter food product.

The term “flavor modifier” refers to a compound or a mixture ofcompounds that, when added to an edible composition, such as a foodproduct, modifies (e.g., masks, eliminates, decreases, reduces, orenhances the perception of) a flavor (e.g., sweet, salty, umami, sour,or bitter taste) present in the edible composition.

The term “food product” refers to any composition comprising one or moreprocessed foodstuff. Food products include, but are not limited to,confectionaries, bakery products (including, but not limited to, doughs,breads, biscuits, crackers, cakes, pastries, pies, tarts, quiches, andcookies), ice creams (including but not limited to impulse ice cream,take-home ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, sherbet and soy,oat, bean and rice-based ice cream), dairy products (including, but notlimited to, drinking milk, cheese, yogurt, and sour milk drinks),cheeses (including, but not limited to, natural cheeses and processedcheeses), butter, margarine, sweet and savory snacks (including but notlimited to fruit snacks, chips/crisps, tortilla/corn chips, popcorn,pretzels, chocolates, and nuts), hot and cold beverages (including, butnot limited to, beverages, beverage mixes, concentrates, juices,carbonated beverages, non-carbonated beverages, alcoholic beverages,non-alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, sports drinks, isotonic drinks,coffees, teas, bottled waters, and beverages prepared from botanicalsand botanical extracts (including cold beverages that are prepared withbotanical or fungi extracts as ingredients, and drinks that are preparedin various ways, such as infusions, decoctions, or other means ofextraction or distillation of various plant parts, including, but notlimited to leaves, flowers, stems, fruits, roots, rhizomes, stems, bark,volatile oils, or even the whole plant)), snack bars (including, but:not limited to granola bars, muesli bars, protein bars, breakfast bars,energy bars, and fruit, bars), meal replacement products, ready meals(including, but not limited to canned meals, preserved meals, frozenmeals, dried meals, chilled meals, dinner mixes, frozen pizza, chilledpizza, and prepared salads), soups (including but not limited tobroth-like soups and cream-based soups), broth, gravy, soy sauce, meatsand fish (including raw, cooked, and dried meats), deli products(including but not limited to meats and cheeses suitable for slicing orpre-sliced meats and cheeses, e.g., turkey, chicken, ham, bologna,salami, bierwurst, capicola, chorizo, corned beef, dutch loaf, Serrano,prosciutto, head cheese, liverwurst, meatloaf (including olive loaf,pepper loaf, pimento loaf, and ham and cheese loaf), mortadella,pastrami, pepperoni, roast beef, roast pork, saucisson, smoked meat,summer sausage, tongue, American cheese, blue cheese, cheddar cheese,Colby cheese, Colby-Jack cheese, gouda, Monterey Jack cheese, muenstercheese mozzarella, parmigiano cheese, pepper jack cheese, provolone,romano cheese, string cheese, spray cheese, and swiss cheese),vegetables (including, but not limited to, raw, pickled, cooked, anddried vegetables, such as french fries), fruits (including raw, cooked,and dried fruits), grains (including, but not limited to, dried cerealsand breads), prepared foods (including, but not limited to, dried,canned, or jarred sauces and soups), snack foods, pastas (including, butnot limited to, fresh pasta, chilled pasta, frozen pasta, dried pasta),noodles (including, but not limited to, egg noodles, wheat noodles, ricenoodles, mung bean noodles, potato noodles, buckwheat, noodles, cornnoodles, cellophane noodles, chow mein, fettuccini, fusilli, gnocchi,lasagna, linguini, lo mein, macaroni, manicotti, pad thai, penne, ramen,rice vermicelli, rigatoni, soba, spaghetti, spatzle, udon, and ziti),canned foods, frozen foods, dried foods, chilled foods, oils and fats,baby food, spreads, salads, cereals (including, but not limited to, hotand cold cereals), sauces (including, but not limited to, tomato pastes,tomato purees, bouillon cubes, stock cubes, table sauces, boys basessauces, pasta sauces, cooking sauces, marinades, dry sauces, powdermixes, ketchups, mayonnaises, salad dressings, vinegrettes, mustards,and dips), jellies, jams, preserves, honey, puddings, recipe mixes,syrups, icings, fillings, infused foods, salt-preserved food, marinatedfoods and condiments (such as ketchup, mustard and steak sauce). In someembodiments, the food product is animal feed. For example, the foodproduct may be a pet food product, i.e. a food product for consumptionby a household pet. In other embodiments, the food product is alivestock food product, i.e. a food product for consumption bylivestock.

The term “foodstuff” refers to an unprocessed ingredient or a basicnutrient or flavor containing element used to prepare a food product.Non-limiting examples of foodstuffs include: fruits, vegetables, meats,fishes, grains, milks, eggs, tubers, sugars, sweeteners, oils, herbs,snacks, sauces, spices and salts.

The term “halo” or “halogen” refers to a fluorine, chlorine, bromine oriodine substituent.

The term “heteroaryl” refers to monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic ringsystems having five to fourteen members and one or more heteroatoms. Onehaving ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the maximum numberof heteroatoms in a stable, chemically feasible heteroaryl ring isdetermined by the size of the ring and valence. The term “heteroaralkyl”refers to an alkyl group substituted by a heteroaryl. Also explicitlyincluded within the scope of the term “heteroaralkyl” are alkenyl oralkynyl groups substituted by a heteroaryl. In general, a heteroarylring may have one to four heteroatoms. Heteroaryl groups include,without limitation, 2-furanyl, 3-furanyl, N-imidazolyl, 2imidazolyl,4-imidazolyl, 5-imidazolyl, 3-isoxazolyl, 4isoxazolyl, 5-isoxazolyl,2-oxadiazolyl, 5-oxadiazolyl, 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl,2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidyl,4-pyrimidyl, 5-pyrimidyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4thiazolyl,5-thiazolyl, 5-tetrazolyl, 2-triazolyl, 5-triazolyl, 2-thienyl, and3-thienyl. The term “heteroaryl ring”, “heteroaryl group”, or“heteroaralkyl” also refers to rings that are optionally substituted.Examples of fused polycyclic heteroaryl and aryl ring systems in which acarbocyclic aromatic ring or heteroaryl ring is fused to one or moreother rings include, tetrahydronaphthyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothienyl,benzofuranyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl,benzimidazolyl, isoquinolinyl, isoindolyl, acridinyl, benzoisoxazolyl,and the like.

The term “heterocyclic” or “heterocyclyl” refers to non-aromaticsaturated or unsaturated monocyclic or polycyclic ring systemscontaining one or more heteroatoms and with a ring size of three tofourteen. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that themaximum number of heteroatoms in a stable, chemically feasibleheterocyclic ring is determined by the size of the ring, degree ofunsaturation, and valence. In general, a heterocyclic ring may have oneto four heteroatoms so long as the heterocyclic ring is chemicallyfeasible and stable and may be fused to another ring, such as acarbocyclic, aryl or heteroaryl ring, or to another heterocyclic ring. Aheterocyclic ring system may be monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic. Alsoincluded within the scope of within the scope of the term “heterocyclic”or “heterocyclyl”, as used herein, is a group in which one or morecarbocyclic rings are fused to a heteroaryl. Examples of heterocyclicrings include, but are not limited to, 3-1H-benzimidazol-2-one,3-1H-alkyl-benzimidazol-2-one, 2-tetrahydrofuranyl, 3-tetrahydrofuranyl,2-tetrahydrothiophenyl, 3-tetrahydrothiophenyl, 2-morpholino,3-morpholino, 4-morpholino, 2-thiomorpholino, 3-thiomorpholino,4-thiomorpholino, 1-pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidinyl, 3-pyrrolidinyl,1-piperazinyl, 2-piperazinyl, 1-piperidinyl, 2-piperidinyl,3-piperidinyl, 4-piperidinyl, 4-thiazolidinyl, diazolonyl, N-substituteddiazolonyl, 1-phthalimidinyl, benzoxane, benzotriazol-1-yl,benzopyrrolidine, benzopiperidine, benzoxolane, benzothiolane,benzothiane, aziranyl, oxiranyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolinyl, dioxolanyl,imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyranyl,dioxanyl, dithianyl, trithianyl, quinuclidinyl, oxepanyl, succinimidyland thiepanyl.

The term “isoprene” (also referred to as “isoterpene”) refers to2-methyl-1,3-butadiene and is represented by the formulaCH₂═C(CH₃)CH═CH₂.

The terms “parts per million” and “ppm” are used in the food industry torefer to a low concentration of a solution. For example, one gram ofsolute in 1000 ml of solvent has a concentration of 1000 ppm and onethousandth of a gram (0.001 g) of solute in 1000 ml of solvent has aconcentration of one ppm. Accordingly, a concentration of one milligramper liter (i.e. 1 mg/L) is equal to 1 ppm.

The terms “perception of a bitter taste,” “perception of saltiness,”“perception of a flavor” and similar terms, refer to the awareness of asubject of a particular taste or flavor.

The term “pharmaceutically active ingredient” refers to a compound in apharmaceutical composition which is biologically active.

The term “potassium salt” refers to a salt wherein potassium is thecation. Potassium salts in the context of the present invention arepreferably edible potassium salts including, but not limited to,Acesulfame K (Ace K), aluminum potassium sulfate, dipotassium guanylate,dipotassium inosinate, monopotassium glutamate, potassium acetate,potassium acid tartate, potassium acid tartrate, potassium adipate,potassium alginate, potassium aluminum silicate, potassium ascorbate,potassium aspartate, potassium benzoate, potassium bicarbonate,potassium bisulfate, potassium bisulfite, potassium bromate, potassiumcarbonate, potassium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium dihydrogencitrate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium ferrocyanide,potassium fumarate, potassium gibberellate, potassium gluconate,potassium hydroxide, potassium hydrogen sulfite, potassium iodide,potassium lactate, potassium malate, potassium metabisulfite, potassiumnitrate, potassium nitrite, potassium persulfate, potassium phosphate(dibasic), potassium phosphate (monobasic), potassium phosphate(tribasic), potassium polymetaphosphate, potassium polyphosphates,potassium pyrophosphate, potassium propionate, potassium saccharin,potassium sodium tartrate (e.g., potassium sodium L(+)-tartrate),potassium sorbate, potassium sulfate, potassium sulfite, and potassiumtripolyphosphate.

The term “processed foodstuff” refers to a foodstuff has been subjectedto any process which alters its original state (excluding, e.g.,harvesting, slaughtering, and cleaning). Examples of methods ofprocessing foods include, but are not limited to, removal of unwantedouter layers, such as potato peeling or the skinning of peaches;chopping or slicing; mincing or macerating; liquefaction, such as toproduce fruit juice; fermentation (e.g. beer); emulsification; cooking,such as boiling, broiling, frying, heating, steaming or grilling; deepfrying; baking; mixing; addition of gas such as air entrainment forbread or gasification of soft drinks; proofing; seasoning (with, e.g.,herbs, spices, salts); spray drying; pasteurization; packaging (e.g.,canning or boxing); extrusion; puffing; blending; and preservation(e.g., adding salt, sugar, potassium lactate or other preservatives).

The term “replace” or “replacing” refers to substituting one compoundfor another compound in or in the preparation of, for example, an ediblecomposition, such as food product. It includes complete and partialreplacements or substitutions.

The term “salty flavor” refers to the taste elicited by, for example,ions of alkali metals salts (e.g., Na⁺ and Cl⁻ in sodium chloride).Non-limiting examples of compositions eliciting a salty flavor includetable salt (sodium chloride), sea water, sea salt and potassiumchloride. The amount of salty flavor or the saltiness of a compositioncan be determined by, e.g., taste testing.

The term “sodium” or “sodium salt” refers to the amount of sodium (i.e.,sodium salt) ingested or otherwise consumed by a subject. In general,“sodium” or a “sodium salt” refers to a salt or compound wherein sodiumis the cation. Sodium salts in the context of the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to, aluminum sodium sulfate, calciumdisodium EDTA, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, disodium5′-ribonucleotides, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, disodiumguanylate, disodium inosinate sodium acetate, monosodium glutamate(MSG), potassium sodium tartrate, sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodiumadipate, sodium alginate, sodium aluminosilicate, sodium aluminumphosphate (acidic), sodium aluminum phosphate (basic), sodium ascorbate,sodium benzoate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium bisulfate, sodium bisulfite,sodium carbonate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium caseinate,sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium cyclamate, sodiumdehydroacetate, sodium diacetate, sodium dehydroacetate, sodiumdihydrogen citrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium DL-malate,sodium erythorbate, sodium erythorbin, odium ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate,sodium ferric pyrophosphate, sodium ferrocyanide, sodium formate, sodiumfumarate, sodium gluconate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydrogenDL-malate, sodium hydrogen acetate, sodium hydrogen sulfite, sodiumhydroxide, sodium hypophosphite, sodium tartrate (e.g., sodiumL(+)-tartrate), sodium lactate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium malate,sodium metabisulfite, sodium metaphosphate, sodium methylpara-hydroxybenzoate, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite, sodiumO-phenylphenol, sodium phosphate (dibasic), sodium phosphate(monobasic), sodium phosphate (tribasic), sodium polyphosphate, sodiumpotassium tartrate, sodium propionate, sodium propylpara-hydroxybenzoate, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium saccharin, sodiumsesquicarbonate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sodium stearyl fumarate,sodium succinate, sodium sulfate, and starch sodium octenylsuccinate.

The term “sodium intake” refers to the amount of sodium ingested orotherwise consumed by a subject.

The term “stability” or “stable” in the context, of a chemical structurerefers to the chemical state when a system is in its lowest energystate, or in chemical equilibrium with its environment. Thus, a stablecompound (or, e.g., a compound containing a number of atoms orsubstitutions that are stable) is not particularly reactive in theenvironment or during normal use and retains its useful properties onthe timescale of its expected usefulness.

The term “subject” refers to a mammal. In preferred embodiments, thesubject is human. In some embodiments, a subject is a domestic orlaboratory animal, including but not limited to, household pets, such asdogs, cats, pigs, rabbits, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs,and ferrets. In some embodiments, a subject is a livestock animal.Non-limiting examples of livestock animals include: alpaca, bison,camel, cattle, deer, pigs, horses, llamas, mules, donkeys, sheep, goats,rabbits, reindeer, and yak.

The term “sugar” refers to a simple carbohydrate, such as amonosaccharide or a disaccharide, that delivers a primary tastesensation of sweetness. Non-limiting examples of sugar include glucose,fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose.

The term “sweet flavor” refers to the taste elicited by, for example,sugars. Non-limiting examples of compositions eliciting a sweet flavorinclude glucose, sucrose, fructose, saccharin, cyclamate, aspartame,acesulfame potassium, sucralose, alitame, and neotame. The amount ofsweet flavor or the sweetness of a composition can be determined by,e.g., taste testing.

The term “terpenes” refers to compounds comprising repeating units ofisoprene. The basic molecular formula of a terpene is (C₅H₈)_(n) where nis the number of linked isoprene units.

The term “terpeneoids” refers to compounds comprising terpenes andderivatives thereof. Thus, in some embodiments, terpenoids have at leastone C₅H₈ hydrocarbon unit with one or more points of unsaturation. Inother embodiments, terpenoids comprise saturated terpene unites andderivatives thereof and have no points of unsaturation.

An aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, or heteroaralkyl group may contain one ormore independently selected substituents. Examples of suitablesubstituents on the unsaturated carbon atom of an aryl or heteroarylgroup include, but are not limited to, halogen, —CF₃, —R′, —OR′, —OH,═SH, —SR′, protected OH (such as acyloxy), —NO₂, —CN, —NH₂, —NHR′,—N(R′)₂, —NHCOR′, —NHCONH₂, —NHCONHR′, —NHCON(R′)₂, —NRCOR′, —NHCO₂H,—NHCO₂R′, —CO₂R′, —CO₂H, —COR′, —CONH₂, —CONHR′, —CON(R′)₂, —S(O)₂H,—S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₃H, —S(O)₃R′, —S(O)₂NH2′ —S(O)H, —S(O)R′, —S(O)₂NHR,—S(O)₂N(R′)₂, —NHS(O)₂H, or —NHS(O)₂R′, where R′ is selected from H,aliphatic, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, orheteroaralkyl and each R′ is optionally substituted with one or morehalogen, nitro, cyano, amino, —NH-(unsubstituted aliphatic),—N-(unsubstituted aliphatic)₂, carboxy, carbamoyl, hydroxy,—O-(unsubstituted aliphatic), —SH, —S-(unsubstituted aliphatic), CF₃,—S(O)₂NH₂′ unsubstituted aliphatic, unsubstituted carbocyclyl,unsubstituted heterocyclyl, unsubstituted aryl, unsubstituted aralkyl,unsubstituted heteroaryl, or unsubstituted heteroaralkyl.

An aliphatic group, a carbocyclic ring or a heterocyclic ring maycontain one or more substituents. Examples of suitable substituents on asaturated or unsaturated carbon of an aliphatic group, a carbocyclicring or a heterocyclic ring include, but are not limited to, thoselisted above for the unsaturated carbon as well as the following: ═O,═S, ═NNHR′, ═NN(R′)₂, ═N—OR′, ═NNHCOR′, ═NNHCO₂R′, ═NNHSO₂R′, ═N—CN, or═NR′, wherein R′ is as defined above. Guided by this specification, theselection of suitable substituents is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art.

As defined herein, the compounds of the invention are intended toinclude all stereochemical forms of the compound, including geometricisomers (i.e., E, Z) and optical isomers (i.e., R, S). Singlestereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric and diastereomericmixtures of the present compounds are within the scope of the invention.Unless otherwise stated, formulas depicted herein are also meant toinclude compounds which differ only in the presence of one or moreisotopically enriched atoms. For example, compounds having the presentformulas except for the replacement of a hydrogen by a deuterium ortritium, or the replacement of a carbon by a ¹³C- or ¹⁴C-enriched carbonare within the scope of this invention.

The present invention provides edible compositions comprising a compoundof the present invention, including food products, consumer products,and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, and methodsof preparing a such compositions. The present invention also providesmethods of reducing the amount of sodium (e.g., NaCl or sodium lactate)or sugar in a food product, a method of reducing the sodium or sugarintake in a diet, a method of reducing bitter taste, and a method ofreducing the activity of a bitter taste receptor. The present inventionalso includes reducing the amount of sodium in a edible composition ordiet by replacing a sodium containing compound or composition with apotassium containing compound or composition. The present invention alsoincludes reducing the amount of sugar in a edible composition or diet byreplacing sugar with a potassium containing sweetener, such asAcesulfame K.

Edible Compositions

According to one aspect, the invention provides an edible compositioncomprising a compound of the invention for reducing bitter taste of abitter tastant.

Edible Compositions Comprising Terpenoid Compounds

The substituent definitions in this section (i.e., R1, R2, R3, R4, m, n,p and t) refer to compounds of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa),Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula(IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd),Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula(IIg), and Formula (IIh).

All stereochemical forms of the compounds disclosed in this and anysection herein are specifically contemplated, including geometricisomers (i.e., E, Z) and optical isomers (i.e., R, S). Singlestereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric and diastereomericmixtures of the compounds disclosed in this and any section herein arealso specifically contemplated.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an ediblecomposition for reducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant, wherein thecomposition comprises a terpenoid compound. The terpenoid compounds ofthis invention are capable of reducing or eliminating bitter taste of abitter tastant. In some embodiments, the terpenoid compound has amolecular weight less than about 1000, 500, or 300 daltons. In certainembodiments, the terpenoid compound is a compound of Formula (I):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,        C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy,        C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy, phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate,        phosphinate, amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, sulfhydryl, C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate,        sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, sulfonyl, wherein        heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for each        occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen C₁₋₁₀alkyl,        C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆-alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₆acylamino, C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O or —O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently, is optionally        substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group        consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;        and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently        for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N,        O, and S; and    -   m is 0-2;    -   n is 0-2;    -   p is 0-2;    -   t is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (I) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

According to some embodiments of compounds of Formula (I),

-   -   as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₆acyloxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and        C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,        C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₁₆acyloxy;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently, is optionally        substituted as noted above; and    -   m is 0-2;    -   n is 0-2;    -   p is 0-2;    -   t is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (I) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

According to some embodiments of compounds of Formula (I),

-   -   as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₆acyloxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and        C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,        C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₁₆acyloxy;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O;    -   m is 0-2;    -   n is 0-2;    -   p is 0-2;    -   t is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (I) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

According to some embodiments of compounds of Formula (I),

-   -   as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydroxyl, C₁₋₃alkoxy, and C₁₋₃acyloxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl,        C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and        C₁₋₃alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,        C₁₋₃alkoxy, and C₁₋₆acyloxy;    -   m is 1;    -   n is 0;    -   p is 1;    -   t is 1;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (I) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

According to some embodiments of compounds of Formula (I),

-   -   as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydroxyl, C₁₋₃alkoxy, and C₁₋₃acyloxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl,        C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and        C₁₋₃alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,        C₁₋₃alkoxy, and C₁₋₃acyloxy;    -   m is 1;    -   n is 0;    -   p is 1; and    -   t is 1;    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), R¹ is absent. For example, incertain embodiments, R¹ is absent and C₁ is part of a double bond. Inother embodiments, R¹ is present and is hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy,or C₁₋₆acyloxy. In other embodiments, R¹ is present and is hydrogen orhydroxyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) includes a E-doublebond between C₅ and C₆. In other embodiments, the compound of Formula(I) includes a Z-double bond between C₅ and C₆. In further embodiments,the compound of Formula (I) includes a mixture of E/Z-double bondsbetween C₅ and C₆. In yet additional embodiments, the compound ofFormula (I) does not include a double bond between C₅ and C₆. In someembodiments, the compound of Formula (I) includes a Z-double in one ormore “t” segments. In other embodiments, the compound of Formula (I)includes a E-double bond in one or more “t” segments. In furtherembodiments, the compound of Formula (I) includes a mixture ofE/Z-double bonds in one or more “t” segments.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) includes nocarbon-carbon double bonds, one carbon-carbon double bond, twocarbon-carbon double bonds, three carbon-carbon double bonds, fourcarbon-carbon double bonds, five carbon-carbon double bonds, or sixcarbon-carbon double bonds. In some embodiments, the compound of Formula(I) includes no carbon-carbon double bonds, one carbon-carbon doublebond, two carbon-carbon double bonds, three carbon-carbon double bondsor four carbon-carbon double bonds. In particular embodiments, thecompound of Formula (I) includes no carbon-carbon double bonds, onecarbon-carbon double bond, or two carbon-carbon double bonds.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), R² is hydrogen. In otherembodiments, R² is C₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl, or C₂₋₆alkenyl, such asisoallyl (e.g., 1-propenyl).

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), R³ is hydrogen. In otherembodiments, R³ is C₁₋₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), R⁴ is hydroxyl. In otherembodiments, R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy. In yet furtherembodiments, R⁴ is C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g., formyloxy,acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc. In someembodiments, R⁴ is C₁₋₆acyloxy or C₁₋₃acyloxy. In other embodiments, R⁴is acetyloxy.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), R³ and R⁴ together form ═O.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), m is 0. In other embodiments, mis 1. In yet further embodiments, m is 2.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), n is 0. In other embodiments, nis 1, In yet further embodiments, n is 2.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), p is 0. In other embodiments, pis 1. In yet further embodiments, p is 2.

In certain embodiments of Formula (I), t is 0. In other embodiments, tis 1. In yet further embodiments, t is 2.

In some embodiments of Formula (I), m is 1, n is 0, p is 1, and t is 1.

In certain embodiments, the terpenoid compound is a compound of Formula(Ia):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,        C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy,        C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy, phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate,        phosphinate, amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, sulfhydryl, C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate,        sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl, wherein        heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for each        occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen C₁₋₁₀alkyl,        C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₆acylamino, C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₅alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O or —O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently, is optionally        substituted with 1-3 substituents selected from the group        consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;        and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently        for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N,        O, and S; and    -   m is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (Ia) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

According to some embodiments of compounds of Formula (Ia),

-   -   as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ is absent or is selected from the group consisting of        hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₆acyloxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and        C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl,        C₁₋₆alkoxy, and C₁₋₆acyloxy;    -   or R³ and R⁴ together form ═O;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently, is optionally        substituted as noted above; and    -   m is 0-2;    -   wherein C₁ and C₆ in Formula (Ia) optionally are bonded together        to form a 6-membered ring; and    -   wherein all dotted bonds indicate optional carbon-carbon double        bonds.

In some embodiments of Formula (Ia), R¹ is absent. For example, incertain embodiments, R¹ is absent and C₁ is part of a double bond. Inother embodiments, R¹ is present and is hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, orC₁₋₆acyloxy, particularly hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (Ia) includes a E-doublebond between C₅ and C₆. In other embodiments, the compound of Formula(Ia) includes a Z-double bond between C₅ and C₆. In further embodiments,the compound of Formula (Ia) includes a mixture of E/Z-double bondsbetween C₅ and C₆. In yet additional embodiments, the compound ofFormula (Ia) does not include a double bond between C₅ and C₆.

In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (Ia) includes nocarbon-carbon double bonds, one carbon-carbon double bond, twocarbon-carbon double bonds, three carbon-carbon double bonds, or fourcarbon-carbon double bonds. In particular embodiments, the compound ofFormula (Ia) includes no carbon-carbon double bonds, one carbon-carbondouble bond, or two carbon-carbon double bonds.

In some embodiments of Formula (Ia), R² is hydrogen. In otherembodiments, R² is C₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl, or C₂₋₆alkenyl, such asisoallyl (e.g., 1-propenyl).

In certain embodiments of Formula (Ia), R³ is hydrogen. In otherembodiments, R³ is C₁₋₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy.

In some embodiments of Formula (Ia), R⁴ is hydroxyl. In otherembodiments, R⁴ is C₁₋₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy. In yet furtherembodiments, R⁴ is C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g., formyloxy,acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc.

In some embodiments of Formula (Ia), R³ and R⁴ together form ═O.

In certain embodiments of Formula (Ia), m is 0. In other embodiments, mis 1. In yet further embodiments, m is 2.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), C₁ and C₆ are bondedtogether to form a 6-membered ring. For example, in certain embodiments,C₁ and C₆ are bonded together to form a 6-membered ring, and m is 0. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is a compoundof Formula (IIa):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R³ and R⁴ together form ═O. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IIa) is acompound of Formula (IIIa):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R² is as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), C₁and C₆ are bonded together to form a 6-membered ring. For example, incertain embodiments, C₁ and C₆ are bonded together to form a 6-memberedring, and m is 1. For instance, in some embodiments, the compound ofFormula (I) is a compound of Formula (IIb):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt, or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above. In someembodiments, the exo-cyclic dashed bond is a double bond. In otherembodiments, the exo-cyclic dashed bond is a single bond.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R³ and R⁴ together form ═O. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IIb) is acompound of Formula (IIIb):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R² is as defined above. In some embodiments, theexo-cyclic dashed bond is a double bond. In other embodiments, theexo-cyclic dashed bond is a single bond.

According to other embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), C₁ and C₆are not bonded together to form a 6-membered ring and the compound is asubstantially linear compound.

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) doesnot include a double bond between C₅ and C₆. For example, in certainembodiments, the compound of Formula (I) does not include a double bondbetween C₅ and C₆, and C₁ and C₆ are not bonded together to form a6-membered ring. For instance, in some embodiments, the compound ofFormula (I) is a compound of Formula (IIc):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R⁴ is absent and C₁ is part of adouble bond. For example, in certain embodiments, the compound ofFormula (IIc) is a compound of Formula (IIIb):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy,such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g., formyloxy, acetyloxy, propionyloxy,butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc. For example, in certain embodiments,R² and R³ are hydrogen and R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such asC₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆acyl, e.g., phenylacetyloxy. For example, in someembodiments, R² and R³ are hydrogen and R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy,such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g., formyloxy, acetyloxy, propionyloxy,butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc. For instance, in some embodiments,the compound of Formula (IIIc) is a compound of Formula (IVc):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R⁴ is as defined above.

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I)includes a E-double bond between C₅ and C₆. For example, in certainembodiments, the compound of Formula (I) includes a E-double bondbetween C₅ and C₆, and C₁ and C₆ are not bonded together to form a6-membered ring. For instance, in some embodiments, the compound ofFormula (I) is a compound of Formula (IId):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R¹ is absent and C₁ is part of adouble bond. For example, in certain embodiments, the compound ofFormula (IId) is a compound of Formula (IIId):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt, or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy,such as C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆acyl, e.g., phenylacetyloxy. For example, in someembodiments, R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g.,formyloxy, acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc.For example, in certain embodiments, R² and R³ are hydrogen and R⁴ ishydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆acyl, e.g.,phenylacetyloxy. For example, in some embodiments, R² and R³ arehydrogen and R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g.,formyloxy, acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc.For instance, in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (IIId) is acompound of Formula (IVd):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R⁴ is as defined above.

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I)includes a Z-double bond between C₅ and C₆. For example, in certainembodiments, the compound of Formula (I) includes a Z-double bondbetween C₅ and C₆, and C₁ and C₆ are not bonded together to form a6-membered ring. For instance, in some embodiments, the compound ofFormula (I) is a compound of Formula (IIe):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R¹ is absent and there is a doublebond between C₁ and C₂. For example, in certain embodiments, thecompound of Formula (IIe) is a compound of Formula (IIIe):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy,such as C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆acyl, e.g., phenylacetyloxy. For example, in someembodiments, R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g.,formyloxy, acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc.For example, in certain embodiments, R² and R³ are hydrogen and R⁴ ishydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆acyl, e.g.,phenylacetyloxy. For example, in some embodiments, R² and R³ arehydrogen and R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g.,formyloxy, acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc.For instance, in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (IIIe) is acompound of Formula (IVe):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R⁴ is as defined above.

As noted above, in some embodiments, R¹ is present and is hydroxyl,C₁₋₆alkoxy, or C₁₋₆acyloxy, particularly hydroxyl. For instance, in someembodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is a compound of Formula (IIf):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R², R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), R² and R³ arehydrogen and R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆acyl,e.g., phenylacetyloxy. For example, in some embodiments, R² and R³ arehydrogen and R⁴ is hydroxyl or C₁₋₁₆acyloxy, such as C₁₋₈acyloxy, e.g.,formyloxy, acetyloxy, propionyloxy, butanoyloxy, phenylacetyloxy, etc.For instance, in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is acompound of Formula (IIg):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R¹ and R⁴ are as defined above.

In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (I), R² is hydrogen andR³ and R⁴ are both C₁₋₆alkoxy, such as methoxy or ethoxy. For instance,in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is a compound ofFormula (IIh):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt, or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R¹, R³, and R⁴ are as defined above.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is selected from thegroup consisting of damascene compounds (e.g., β-damascone,trans-α-damascone), ionone compounds (e.g., β-ionone, α-ionone,γ-ionone, and dihydro-α-ionone, particularly either β-ionone orα-ionone), nerol, geranyl isovalerate, geranyl acetone, neryl acetate,geranyl propionate, geranyl butyrate, citronellyl propionate,citronellyl isobutyrate, citral diethyl acetal, geranyl phenylacetate,geranyl formate, DL-citronellol, neryl isovalerate, citronellyl acetate,citral dimethyl acetal, citral, geranial, neral, neryl butyrate,citronellal, hydroxycitronellal, citronellyl valerate, geraniol, nerylisobutyrate, geranyl acetate, citronellyl formate, hydroxycitronellaldimethyl acetal, and phytyl acetate.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (I) is:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.Edible Compositions Comprising Chroman Compounds

The substituent definitions in this section (i.e., R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵,R⁶ and n) refer to compounds of Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula(VIb), or Formula (VIIa).

All stereochemical forms of the compounds disclosed in this and anysection herein are specifically contemplated, including geometricisomers (i.e., E, Z) and optical isomers (i.e., R, S). Singlestereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric and diastereomericmixtures of the compounds disclosed in this and any section herein arealso specifically contemplated.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an ediblecomposition for reducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant, wherein thecomposition comprises a chroman compound. The chroman compounds of thisinvention are capable of reducing or eliminating bitter taste of abitter tastant. In some embodiments, the chroman compound has amolecular weight less than about 1000, 500, or 300 daltons. In certainembodiments, the chroman compound is a compound of Formula (V):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹, independently for each occurrence, is selected from the        group consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo, hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₆heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, halo,        hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy,        phenyloxy, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₁₋₂₁haloalkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₁₋₂₁haloalkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₆heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₅heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   or R⁴ and R⁵ together form ═O or —O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵, independently and        independently for each occurrence, is optionally substituted        with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl, carboxyl,        C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;        and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently        for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N,        O, and S; and    -   n is 0-3.

According to some embodiments of compounds of Formula V,

-   -   as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹, independently for each occurrence, is selected from the        group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl,        C₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆acyloxy optionally substituted by hydroxyl,        amino, mono- or disubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,        C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy, wherein        R⁴ is optionally substituted by one or more occurrences of        hydroxyl or acetyloxy;    -   R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,        C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy, wherein        R⁶ is optionally substituted by one or more occurrences of        hydroxyl or acetyloxy;    -   or R⁴ and R³ together form ═O;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵, independently and        independently for each occurrence, is optionally farther        substituted as noted above; and    -   n is 0-3.

According to some embodiments of the compound of Formula (V), one ormore occurrences of R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl; R³ is hydrogen; andR⁵ is C₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl. For example, in certain embodiments,the compound of Formula (V) is a compound of Formula (VIa):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R² and R⁴ are as defined above, wherein the carbonmarked with * optionally has R or S stereochemistry or is a mixture of Rand S stereochemistry.

According to some embodiments, R² is hydroxyl; C₁₋₆alkoxy; orC₁₋₆acyloxy optionally substituted by hydroxyl, amino, mono- ordisubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl; and R⁴ is C₁₋₂₁alkyl, suchas methyl or —CH₂-ISP wherein ISP represents 1 to 4 saturated isopreneunits (particularly 3 isoprene units), or C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, such as —CH₂-ISPwherein ISP represents 1 to 4 isoprene units wherein one or moreisoprene unit optionally includes a carbon-carbon double bond. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIa) is acompound Formula (VIIa):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl;        or C₁₋₆acyl optionally substituted by hydroxyl, amino, mono- or        disubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl; and    -   wherein the carbon marked with * optionally has R or S        stereochemistry or is a mixture of R and S stereochemistry.

In certain embodiments, R⁶ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R⁶ isC₁₋₆acyl, such as acetyl or propionyl, optionally substituted byhydroxyl, amino, mono- or disubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl.For example, in certain embodiments, R⁶ is carboxyl-substitutedpropionyl, such as 3-carboxylpropionyl. In some embodiments, R⁶O— issuccinate.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (V) is:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (V) is selected from thegroup consisting of pentamethyl-6-chromanol, α-tocopherol,(+)-δ-tocopherol, (+)-α-tocopherol acetate, D-α-tocopherol succinate,DL-α-tocopherol acetate, and Vitamin E acetate.

According to some embodiments of the compound of Formula (V), n is 0 andR² is hydrogen. For example, in certain embodiments, the compound ofFormula (V) is a compound of Formula (VIb):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are as defined above.

In some embodiments, R³ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R³ ishydroxyl.

According to certain embodiments, one or both of R⁴ and R⁵ is hydrogen,for example, both R⁴ and R⁵ are hydrogen. In other embodiments, R⁴ andR⁵ together form ═O.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (V) or Formula (VIb) is:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (V) or Formula (VIb) isselected from the group consisting of 4-chromanol and dihydrocoumarin.

Edible Compositions Comprising Benzo Ring-Containing Compounds

The substituent definitions in this section (i.e., R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵,m, and n) refer to compounds of Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula(IXb), Formula (IXc), or Formula (IXd).

All stereochemical forms of the compounds disclosed in this and anysection herein are specifically contemplated, including geometricisomers (i.e., E, Z) and optical isomers (i.e., R, S). Singlestereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric and diastereomericmixtures of the compounds disclosed in this and any section herein arealso specifically contemplated.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an ediblecomposition for reducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant, wherein thecomposition comprises a benzo ring-containing compound. The benzoring-containing compounds of this invention are capable of reducing oreliminating bitter taste of a bitter tastant. In some embodiments, thebenzo ring-containing compound has a molecular weight less than about1000, 500, or 300 daltons. In certain embodiments, the benzoring-containing compound is a compound of Formula (VIII):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹, independently for each occurrence, is selected from the        group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl,        C₁₋₁₀alkenyl, C₁₋₁₀alkynyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        phosphoryl, phosphonate, phosphinate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        hydroxyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₁₋₅heteroaryloxy,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkenyloxy, C₃₋₁₀alkynyloxy,        amino, diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₂₋₆carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for        each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O,        and S;    -   or R² and R³ together form ═O or —O—C₁₋₁₀alkyl-O—;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, phosphoryl, phosphonate,        phosphinate, cyano, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonyl,        C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₆₋₁₀aryl, C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl, wherein        heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently for each        occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³ and R⁴, independently and        independently for each occurrence, is optionally substituted        with 1-3 substituents selected from the group consisting of        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl, carboxyl,        C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl,        C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,        phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,        diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,        C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,        C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido,        sulfonyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₁₋₆heterocyclyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl,        phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl, and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;        and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromatic rings, independently        for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N,        O, and S; and    -   n is 0-3.

According to some embodiments of compounds of Formula (VIII),

-   -   as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ independently for each occurrence, is selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and        C₁₋₆acyl;    -   R² is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   or R² and R³ together form ═O;    -   R⁴ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,        C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, and C₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆alkyl;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴, independently and        independently for each occurrence, is optionally further        substituted as noted above; and    -   n is 0-3.

According to some embodiments of the compound of Formula (VIII), n is 0,and R² and R³ together form ═O. For example, in certain embodiments, thecompound of Formula (VIII) is benzoic acid or a benzoic acid ester. Forinstance, in some embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) is acompound of Formula (IXa):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit, R⁴ is as defined above.

In certain embodiments, R⁴ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R⁴ isC₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl, orC₆₋₁₀aryl-C₁₋₆alkyl, such as phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, e.g., benzyl ordihydrocinnamyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXa)is:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXa)is selected from the group consisting of benzoic acid, ethyl benzoate,propyl benzoate, and phenethyl benzoate.

According to some embodiments of the compound of Formula (VIII), n is1-3, and R² and R³ together form ═O. For example, in certainembodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) is a hydroxybenzoic acid ora hydroxybenzoic acid ester. For instance, in some embodiments, thecompound of Formula (VIII) is a compound of Formula (IXb):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ and R⁴ are as defined above; and    -   m is 0-2.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXb)includes a hydroxyl group on the 4-position of the benzo ring. In otherembodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXb) includes ahydroxyl group on 2-position of the benzo ring.

In certain embodiments, R⁴ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R⁴ isC₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXb)is:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXb)is selected from the group consisting of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, methylpara-hydroxybenzoate, ethyl para-hydroxybenzoate, and butyl paraben.

According to some embodiments of the compound of Formula (VIII), n is1-3, and R² and R³ together form ═O. For example, in certainembodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) is a C₁₋₆alkyloxybenzoicacid or a C₁₋₆alkyloxybenzoic acid ester. For instance, in someembodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) is a compound of Formula(IXc):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹ and R⁴ are as defined above;    -   R¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl; and    -   m is 0-2.

In certain embodiments, R⁴ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R⁴ isC₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl.

In certain embodiments, R⁵ is methyl, ethyl, or propyl. Its someembodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXc) includes amethoxy group on the 4-position, the 3-position, or the 2-position ofthe benzo ring.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXc)is:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXc)is selected from the group consisting of 4-methoxybenzoic acid,3-methoxybenzoic acid, 2-methoxybenzoic acid, 4-propoxybenzoic acid, andmethyl-ortho-methoxy benzoate.

According to some embodiments of the compound of Formula (VIII), R² ishydrogen, and at least one occurrence of R¹ is H. For example, incertain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) is a compound ofFormula (IXd):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

-   -   wherein, as valence and stability permit:    -   R¹, R³, and R⁴ are as defined above; and    -   m is 0-2.

In certain embodiments, R³ is hydrogen. In other embodiments, R³ isC₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl.

In some embodiments, R⁴ is hydrogen.

In certain embodiments, m is 0. In other embodiments, m is 1 or 2, andR¹ is C₁₋₆alkyl, such as methyl.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXd)is:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VIII) or Formula (IXd)is selected from the group consisting of para-hydroxybenzyl alcohol,α-methylbenzyl alcohol, and 4-(1-hydroxyethyl)-2-methoxyphenol.

Edible Compositions Comprising Polycyclic Compounds

The substituent definitions in this section (i.e., R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R₅,R₆, R₇, and R^(a), X and Y) refer to compounds of Formula (XI) orFormula (XII).

All stereochemical forms of the compounds disclosed in this and anysection herein are specifically contemplated, including geometricisomers (i.e., E, Z) and optical isomers (i.e., R, S). Singlestereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric and diastereomericmixtures of the compounds disclosed in this and any section herein arealso specifically contemplated.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides an ediblecomposition for reducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant, wherein thecomposition comprises a polycyclic compound. The polycyclic compounds ofthis invention are capable of reducing or eliminating bitter taste of abitter tastant. In some embodiments, the polycyclic compound has amolecular weight less than about 1000, 500, 300 or 200 daltons. Incertain embodiments, the polycyclic compound has a bicyclic core with aone-carbon transannular bridge, such as a compound of Formula (XI):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

wherein, as valence and stability permit:

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and        C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        -   wherein each of R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ may be optionally            independently substituted with one or more substituents            selected from the group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH,            ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),            —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),            —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),            —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and            —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂, and    -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀alkenyl, C₁₋₁₀alkynyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,        C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy, C₁₋₁₀alkylester,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester, C₁₋₁₀alkylamide,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester;        -   wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with one or more            substituents selected from the group consisting of halo,            —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,            —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂, C₁₋₁₀acyl,            C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy,            C₁₋₁₀alkylester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester,            C₁₋₁₀alkylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide,            C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and            C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester,    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,        -   wherein R₅ may be optionally independently substituted with            one or more substituents selected from the group consisting            of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),            —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,            —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₁₋₁₀alkenyl, and            C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,            -   wherein each C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl                may be optionally independently substituted with one or                more substituents selected from the group consisting of                halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,                —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single        bond, X is selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—,        —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—;    -   provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents a        double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted        line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present.

According to some embodiments of Formula (XI),

as valence and stability permit:

-   -   R¹, R², R³, R⁶ and R⁷ are independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, C₁₋₆acyloxy,        C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester;    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and            C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, and R^(a) are        independently optionally substituted as noted above;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single        bond, X is selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—,        —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—;    -   provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents a        double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted        line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present.

According to some embodiments of Formula (XI),

as valence and stability permit:

-   -   R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, C₁₋₆acyloxy,        C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester;        -   wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with one or more            substituents selected from the group consisting of —OH, ═O,            —SH, and ═S;    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and            C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single        bond, X is selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—,        —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—;    -   provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents a        double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted        line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present.

According to other embodiments of compounds of Formula (XI),

as valence and stability permit:

-   -   R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆acyl;        -   wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with ═O or ═S;    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and            C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single        bond, X is selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—,        —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—;    -   provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents a        double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted        line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present.

In yet other embodiments of compounds of Formula (XI),

as valence and stability permit:

-   -   R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected from the group        consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl;        -   wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with ═O or ═S;    -   R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,        C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S        or ═C(R^(a))₂;        -   wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group            consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and            C₂₋₃alkynyl;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is present, X is ═C(R^(a))—;    -   wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a double        bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting        of ═O and ═S; and    -   wherein when the dotted line represents a single bond, X is        selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂— and —O—;    -   provided that when the dotted line represents a double bond, R⁴        is absent, and when the bond with the dotted line represents a        single bond, R⁴ is present.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), R¹ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃-alkynyl. Inother embodiments, R¹ is methyl, ethyl or propyl, particularly methyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), R² is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl. Inother embodiments, R² is methyl, ethyl or propyl, particularly methyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), R³ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl. Inother embodiments, R³ is methyl, ethyl or propyl, particularly methyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), R⁴ is absent or selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, andC₁₋₆acyl, wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with ═O or ═S. Inother embodiments, R⁴ is absent or C₁₋₆acyl. In yet other embodiments,R⁴ is absent or C₁₋₅acyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), R⁵ is absent or selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl.In other embodiments, R⁵ is absent, methyl, ethyl or propyl,particularly, absent, methyl or ethyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), R⁶ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl. Inother embodiments, R⁶ is methyl, ethyl or propyl, particularly methyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), R⁷ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl. Inother embodiments, R⁷ is methyl, ethyl or propyl, particularly methyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally takentogether to form ═O, ═S or —C(R^(a))₂, wherein each R^(a) isindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl,C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl. In other embodiments, R⁶ and R⁷ areoptionally taken together to form ═O or ═C(R^(a))₂, wherein each R^(a)is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl. In yet other embodiments, R⁶and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O or ═C(R^(a))₂, whereinR^(a) is hydrogen. In a particular embodiment, R⁶ and R⁷ are takentogether to form ═C(R^(a))₂, wherein R^(a) is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), wherein the bond with the dottedline represents a double bond and R⁴ is present, X is ═C(R^(a))—.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), wherein when the bond with thedotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selectedfrom the group consisting of ═O and ═S. In other embodiments of Formula(XI), wherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a doublebond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from the group consisting of ═O and═S. In yet other embodiments of Formula (XI), wherein when the bond withthe dotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ is absent X is ═O.

In some embodiments of Formula (XI), wherein when the bond with thedotted line

represents a single bond, X is selected from the group consisting of—C(R^(a))₂— and —O—.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (XI) is one or more ofthe following compounds:

In certain embodiments, the polycyclic compound is a compound of Formula(XII):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof,

wherein, as valence and stability permit:

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl;        -   wherein R¹ and R² may be optionally independently            substituted with one or more substituents selected from the            group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,            —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀)alkynyl),            —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,        C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy, C₁₋₁₀alkylester,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester, C₁₋₁₀alkylamide,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester,        C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester;        -   wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently            substituted with one or more substituents selected from the            group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,            —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),            N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂,            C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy,            C₁₋₁₀alkylester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester,            C₁₋₁₀alkylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide,            C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and            C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester; and    -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyl, N(R^(a)),        —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or        ═S, then R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent,        -   wherein R^(a) is selected from the group consisting of            hydrogen, C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl,            -   wherein each C₁₋₁₀alkyl, C₂₋₁₀alkenyl, and C₂₋₁₀alkynyl                may be optionally independently substituted with one or                more substituents selected from the group consisting of                halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),                —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,                —N(C₂₋₁₀aIkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂.

According to other embodiments of Formula (XII),

as valence and stability permit,

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl,        C₁₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and        C₁₋₆alkynylester;    -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, N(R^(a)),        —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or        ═S, then R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent,    -   wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R^(a) are independently        optionally substituted as noted above; and        -   wherein R^(a) is selected from the group consisting of            hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl.

According to other embodiments of Formula (XII),

as valence and stability permit,

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl,        C₂₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and        C₁₋₆alkynylester;        -   wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently            substituted with one or more substituents selected from the            group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₆acyloxy,            C₁₋₆acylthioxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester,            C₁₋₆alkynylester, C₁₋₆alkylthioester, C₁₋₆alkenylthioester,            and C₁₋₆alkynylthioester;    -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, N(R^(a)),        —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or        ═S, then R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent, and        -   wherein R^(a) is selected from the group consisting of            hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl.

According to other embodiments of Formula (XII),

as valence and stability permit,

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, and C₂₋₄alkynyl;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, and C₁₋₄acyl;        -   wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently            substituted with one or more substituents selected from the            group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₆acyloxy,            C₁₋₄acylthioxy, C₁₋₄alkylester, C₁₋₄alkenylester,            C₁₋₄alkynylester, C₁₋₄alkylthioester, C₁₋₄alkenylthioester,            and C₁₋₄alkynylthioester; and    -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, —O—, —S—,        ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then        R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent.

According to other embodiments of Formula (XII),

as valence and stability permit,

-   -   the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or        double bond,    -   R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting        of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, and C₂₋₄alkynyl;    -   R³ and R⁴ are independently absent or independently selected        from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl,        C₂₋₄alkynyl, C₁₋₄acyl;        -   wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently            substituted with one or more substituents selected from the            group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₄acyloxy,            C₁₋₄alkylester, C₁₋₄alkenylester, and C₁₋₄alkynylester; and    -   X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of        a direct bond, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, —O—, —S—,        ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then        R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent.

In some embodiments of Formula (XII), R¹ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, and C₂₋₄alkynyl. Inother embodiments, R¹ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, preferably methyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XII), R² is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, and C₂₋₄alkynyl. Inother embodiments, R² is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, preferably methyl.

In some embodiments of Formula (XII), R³ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, andC₁₋₄acyl, wherein R³ may be optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S,C₁₋₄acyloxy, C₁₋₄alkylester, C₁₋₄alkenylester, and C₁₋₄alkynylester. Inother embodiments of Formula (XII), R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, whereinR³ may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selectedfrom the group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, or C₁₋₄acyloxy. In yetother embodiments of Formula (II), R³ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, such asmethyl, wherein R³ may be optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group consisting of —OH or C₁₋₄acyloxy.In some embodiments, R³ is methyl, methyl substituted with —OH or methylsubstituted with acetate.

In some embodiments of Formula (XII), R⁴ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, andC₁₋₄acyl, wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S,C₁₋₄acyloxy, C₁₋₄alkylester, C₁₋₄alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester. Inother embodiments of Formula (XII), R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, whereinR⁴ may be optionally substituted with one or more substituents selectedfrom the group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, or C₁₋₄acyloxy. In yetother embodiments of Formula (XII), R⁴ is hydrogen or C₁₋₄alkyl, such asmethyl, wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group consisting of —OH or C₁₋₄acyloxy.In yet other embodiments, R⁴ is hydrogen.

In some embodiments of Formula (XII), X is selected from the groupconsisting of a direct bond, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, —O—,—S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then R³and R⁴, respectively, are absent. In other embodiments, X is selectedfrom the group consisting of a direct bond, —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S,provided that when X is ═O or ═S, then R³ is absent. In yet otherembodiments, X is a direct bond or ═O, particularly a direct bond.

In some embodiments of Formula (XII), Y is selected from the groupconsisting of a direct bond, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, —O—,—S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then R³and R⁴, respectively, are absent. In other embodiments, Y is selectedfrom the group consisting of a direct bond, —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S,provided that when Y is ═O or ═S, then R³ is absent. In yet otherembodiments, Y is a direct bond, —O— or ═O, particularly —O—.

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (XII) is one or more ofthe following compounds:

In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (XI) or Formula (XII) isselected from the group consisting of Isopinocampheol, Myrtanol,Isobornyl acetate, D-camphor, (+) Camphene, Myrtenyl acetate, Bornylisovalerate, Bornyl acetate, 1,3,3 Trimethyl-2-Norbornanyl acetate,Isobornyl propionate, 2 Ethyl 1,3,3 Trimethyl 2 Norbornanol and L-Bornylacetate.

Edible Compositions Comprising Additional Compounds of the Invention

The present invention includes edible compositions comprising thefollowing compounds or comestibly or biologically acceptable salts orderivatives thereof, or enantiomers or diastereomers thereof. Thestructural similarity between some of the compounds below would beevident to one of skill in the art. Accordingly, the present inventionalso includes compounds which are structurally related to thosedescribed below. To the extent that the compounds below can be groupedaccording to structure, the present invention includes such groupings.For example, compounds 95-112 define a genus of compounds with a2-phenylchromene or 2-phenylchroman core; compounds 113-118 define agenus of benzo-1,3-dioxole compounds; compounds 120, 122, 123, 125, and126 define a genus of azulene-based compounds; and compounds 132 and 133define a genus of dihydrofuran-2-one compounds.

All stereochemical forms of the compounds disclosed in this and anysection herein are specifically contemplated, including geometricisomers (i.e., E, Z) and optical isomers (i.e., R, S). Singlestereochemical isomers as well as enantiomeric and diastereomericmixtures of the compounds disclosed in this and any section herein arealso specifically contemplated.

In other embodiments, the compound of the present invention is one ormore of the following compounds:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.

In certain embodiments, the compound of the invention is selected fromthe group consisting of 7-methoxyflavone, Pinocembrin, Peonidinchloride, Scurellarein tetramethyl ether, Chrysin dimethyl ether,7-hydroxyflavone, Isorhamnetin, Catechin, Gallocatechin, Epicatechingallate, Epigallocatechin gallate, Datiscetin, Diosimetin, Quercetin,Kaempferol, Piperine, Piperonal, Black pepper oil, Piperonyl acetate,Piperonyl isobutyrate, Isosafrole, Camphor oil, Guaiol, Caryophylleneoxide, Guaiazulene, Azulene, Guaiacol, Guaiene, Shogaol, Ginger oil,Ginger oleoresin, Harmine, Pongamol, and Isocitric acid lactone.

In some embodiments, the edible compositions of this invention compriseterpenoid compounds, chroman compounds, benzo-ring containing compounds,polycyclic compounds, or compounds 95-134 as described herein, or acomestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, or anenantiomer or diastereomer thereof, or mixtures thereof.

If a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt of a compound of thepresent invention is used, such salt is preferably derived frominorganic or organic acids and bases. Examples of such salts include,but are not limited to, acetate, adipate, alginate, aspartate, benzoate,benzenesulfonate, bisulfate, butyrate, citrate, camphorate,camphorsulfonate, cyclopentanepropionate, digluconate, dodecylsulfate,ethanesulfonate, formate, fumarate, glucoheptanoate, glycerophosphate,glycolate, hemisulfate, heptanoate, hexanoate, hydrochloride,hydrobromide, hydroiodide, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonate, lactate, maleate,malonate, methanesulfonate, 2-naphthalenesulfonate, nicotinate, nitrate,oxalate, palmoate, pectinate, persulfate, 3-phenylpropionate, phosphate,picrate, pivalate, propionate, salicylate, succinate, sulfate, tartrate,thiocyanate, tosylate and undecanoate. Salts derived from appropriatebases include alkali metal (e.g., sodium and potassium), alkaline earthmetal (e.g., magnesium), ammonium and N⁺(C₁₋₄alkyl)₄ salts. Thisinvention also envisions the quaternization of any basicnitrogen-containing groups of the compounds disclosed herein. Water oroil-soluble or dispersible products may be obtained by suchquaternization. In some embodiments, the compounds of the presentinvention are present as sodium, potassium or citrate salts.

Another aspect of the present invention provides edible compositionscomprising a) a compound of the invention; and b) a bitter tastant. Insome embodiments, the compound is a compound having a molecular weightless than about 1000, 500, or 300 daltons. In certain embodiments, thecompound is a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa),Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula(IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd),Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula(IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula(VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the compound of the inventionis a compound selected from Compounds 1-134 or combinations thereof. Inother embodiments, the compound of the invention is a compound selectedfrom Compounds 1-58 or 61-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the bitter tastant present in the ediblecomposition is a bitter tasting salt. In some embodiments, the bittertastant present in the edible composition is a potassium salt, amagnesium salt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the bittertastant present in the edible composition is a potassium salt. In someembodiments, the bitter tastant present in the edible compositions isKCl. In other embodiments, the bitter tastant present in the ediblecomposition is potassium lactate.

In another embodiment, the edible compositions comprise a) a compound ofthe invention; and b) a potassium salt. In some embodiments, thepotassium salt is KCl or potassium lactate. In specific embodiments, thepotassium salt is KCl. In certain embodiments, the compound is acompound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula(IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula(IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula(IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the compound of the inventionis a compound selected from Compounds 1-134 or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprises a sodiumsalt. In some embodiments, the edible compositions further compriseNaCl. In some embodiments, the edible compositions further comprisesodium lactate. In some embodiments, the edible compositions furthercomprise sugar.

In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprises one ormore additional components selected from the group consisting ofpreservatives, nutritives, flavorants or additional flavor modifiers,which may lack an inherent flavor.

In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprises one ormore emulsifiers. Sodium and potassium based emulsifiers are commonlyused as emulsifiers in the food art. Sodium-based emulsifiers include,e.g., sodium salts of fatty acids, sodium alginate, sodium aluminumphosphate, sodium casemate, sodium metaphosphate, sodium phosphate(dibasic), sodium phosphate (monobasic), sodium phosphate (tribasic),sodium polyphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, and sodium stearoyllactylate. Potassium-based emulsifiers include, e.g., potassium salts offatty acids, potassium alginate, potassium citrate, potassium phosphate(dibasic), potassium phosphate (monobasic), potassium phosphate(tribasic), potassium polyphosphate, potassium polymetaphosphate, andpotassium pyrophosphate. Accordingly, some embodiments of the presentinvention include replacing a sodium-based emulsifier with a potassiumbased emulsifier and adding a compound of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprises asurfactant to increase or decrease the effectiveness of the compounds ofthe present invention. Suitable surfactants include, but are not limitedto, non-ionic surfactants (e.g., mono and diglycerides, fatty acidesters, sorbitan esters, propylene glycol esters, and lactylate esters)anionic surfactants (e.g., sulfosuccinates and lecithin) and cationicsurfactants (e.g., quaternary ammonium salts).

In some embodiments wherein the edible compositions further comprises apreservative, the preservative improves the shelf life of the ediblecomposition. Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to,ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, butyl p-hydroxybenzoate, calcium benzoate,calcium disodium EDTA, calcium hydrogen sulfite, calcium propionate,calcium sorbate, chitosan, cupric sulfate, dehydroacetic acid, diethylpyrocarbonate, dimethyl dicarbonate, disodium EDTA, E-polylysineglycine, erythorbic acid, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, formic acid, gumguaiac, heptylparaben, hinokitiol, isobutyl paraoxybenzoate, Japanesestyrax benzoin extract, methylparaben, milt protein extract, natamycin,nisin, peptin extract, 2-phenylphenol, pimaricin, potassium acetate,potassium benzoate, potassium lactate, potassium metabisulfite,potassium nitrate, potassium nitrite, potassium pyrosulfite, potassiumsorbate, potassium sulfite, propionic acid, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate,propyl p-oxybenzoate, propylene oxide, propylparaben, sodium benzoate,sodium bisulfite, sodium dehydroacetate, sodium diacetate, sodiumerythorbate, sodium hydrogen sulfite, sodium hypophosphite, sodiumhyposulfite, sodium metabisulfite, sodium nitrate, sodium nitrite,sodium o-phenylphenol, sodium propionate, sodium pyrosulfite, sodiumsulfite, sodium thiocyanate, sorbic acid and sulfur dioxide. In someembodiments, the preservative has a bitter flavor.

In some embodiments, the composition may further comprise one or moreadditional components selected from the group consisting of flow agents,processing agents, sugars, amino acids, other nucleotides, and sodium orpotassium salts of organic acids such as citrate and tartarate. Suchadditional ingredients may add flavor, or aid in blending, processing orflow properties of the edible composition.

In some embodiments, the rate of release of the compound of the presentinvention is regulated. The release rate of the compound of the presentinvention can be altered by, for example, varying its solubility inwater. Rapid release can be achieved by encapsulating the compound ofthe present invention with a material with high water solubility.Delayed release of the compound of the present invention can be achievedby encapsulating the compound of the present invention with a materialwith low water solubility. The compound of the present invention can beco-encapsulated with carbohydrates or masking tastants such assweeteners. The rate of release of the compound of the present inventioncan also be regulated by the degree of encapsulation. In someembodiments, the compound of the present invention is fullyencapsulated. In other embodiments, the compounds of the presentinvention are partially encapsulated. In some embodiments, the rate ofrelease is regulated so as to release with the bitter tastant.

The edible compositions of this invention are prepared according totechniques well-known in the art. In general, an edible composition ofthe invention is prepared by mixing a component or ingredient of theedible composition with a compound of the invention. Alternatively, acompound of the invention can be added directly to the ediblecomposition. In some embodiments, a bitter tastant is addedsimultaneously or sequentially with a compound of the invention. Ifsequentially, the bitter tastant may be added before or after thecompound of the invention. In some embodiments, the edible compositionis a food product. In some embodiments, the edible composition is apharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the edible compositionis a consumer product.

The amount of both a compound of the present invention and a bittertastant used in an edible composition depends upon a variety of factors,including the purpose of the composition and the desired or acceptableperception of bitterness, saltiness, or sweetness. The amount may dependon the nature of the edible composition, the particular compound added,the bitter tastant, other compounds present in the composition, themethod of preparation (including amount of heat used), and the pH of theedible composition. It will be understood that those of skill in the artwill know how to determine the amounts needed to produce the desiredtaste(s).

In general, a compound of the present invention in an edible compositionmay be present at a concentration between about 0.001 ppm and 1000 ppm.In some embodiments, the edible composition comprises between about0.005 to 500 ppm; 0.01 to 100 ppm; 0.05 to 50 ppm; 0.1 to 5 ppm; 0.1 to10 ppm; 1 to 10 ppm; 1 to 30 ppm; 1 to 50 ppm; 10 to 30 ppm; 10 to 50ppm; or 30 to 50 ppm of a compound of the present invention. In yetother embodiments, the edible composition comprises about 0.1 to 30 ppm,1 to 30 ppm or 1 to 50 ppm of a compound of the present invention. Inadditional embodiments, the edible composition comprises about 0.1 to 5ppm; 0.1 to 4 ppm; 0.1 to 3 ppm; 0.1 to 2 ppm; 0.1 to 1 ppm; 0.5 to 5ppm; 0.5 to 4 ppm; 0.5 to 3 ppm; 0.5 to 2 ppm; 0.5 to 1.5 ppm; 0.5 to 1ppm; 5 to 15 ppm; 6 to 14 ppm; 7 to 13 ppm; 8 to 12 ppm; 9 to 11 ppm; 25to 35 ppm; 26 to 34 ppm; 27 to 33 ppm; 28 to 32 ppm; or 29 to 31 ppm.

In yet other embodiments, the edible composition comprises about 0.1ppm, about 0.5 ppm, about 1 ppm, about 2 ppm, about 3 ppm, about 4 ppm,about 5 ppm, about 6 ppm, about 7 ppm, about 8 ppm, about 9 ppm, orabout 10 ppm of a compound of the present invention. In otherembodiments, the edible composition comprises about 11 ppm, about 12ppm, about 13 ppm, about 14 ppm, about 15 ppm, about 16 ppm, about 17ppm, about 18 ppm, about 19 ppm, about 20 ppm, about 21 ppm, about 22ppm, about 23 ppm, about 24 ppm, about 25 ppm, about 26 ppm, about 27ppm, about 28 ppm about, 29 ppm, or about 30 ppm of a compound of thepresent invention.

In still other embodiments, the edible composition comprises about 31ppm, about 32 ppm, about 33 ppm, about 34 ppm, about 35 ppm, about 36ppm, about 37 ppm, about 38 ppm, about 39 ppm, about 40 ppm, about 41ppm, about 42 ppm, about 43 ppm, about 44 ppm, about 45 ppm, about 46ppm, about 47 ppm, about 48 ppm, about 49 ppm, or about 50 ppm of acompound of the present invention.

In other embodiments, the edible composition comprises more than about0.5 ppm, 1 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, 20 ppm, 25 ppm, or 30 ppm of acompound of the present invention, up to, for example, about 30 ppm or50 ppm. In additional embodiments, the edible composition comprises lessthan about 50 ppm, 30 ppm, 25 ppm, 20 ppm, 15 ppm, 10 ppm, 5 ppm, 1 ppm,or 0.5 ppm of a compound of the present invention. In yet additionalembodiments, the edible composition comprises less than about 30 ppm, 10ppm, or 1 ppm of a compound of the present invention.

When the edible composition comprises KCl, the amount of KCl will varydepending on the nature of the edible composition, the amount ofperceived saltiness desired and the presence of other compounds in thecomposition. In some embodiments, KCl is present at a concentrationbetween about 0.001-5% w/w; 0.01-5% w/w; 0.1-5% w/w; 1-5% w/w; 0.5-4.8%w/w; 0.5-4% w/w; 0.5-3% w/w; 0.75-3% w/w; 1-2.5% w/w; or 1-2% w/w. Insome embodiments, KCl is present at a concentration of about 0.5% w/w,about 1% w/w, about 1.5% w/w, about 2% w/w, about 2.5% w/w, about 3%w/w, about 3.5% w/w, about 4% w/w, about 4.5% w/w, or about 5% w/w. Insome embodiments, KCl is present at a concentration of up to about 0.5%w/w, up to about 1% w/w, up to about 1.5% w/w, up to about 2% w/w, up toabout 2.5% w/w, up to about 3% w/w, up to about 3.5% w/w, up to about 4%w/w, up to about 4.5% w/w, or up to about 5% w/w. In some embodiments,KCl is present at a concentration of about 2% w/w.

In some embodiments, KCl is added to the edible composition as a saltsubstitute in an amount sufficient to replace NaCl. For example, theamount of KCl in the edible compositions may range from about 0.5 toabout 1.5 times the replaced NaCl depending upon the application, e.g.,if about 0.5 mg of NaCl is replaced, about 0.25 to about 0.75 mg of KClis added. Typically, KCl is added in the same weight amount as the NaClbeing replaced.

Similarly, when the edible composition comprises potassium lactate, theamount of potassium lactate added varies depending on the nature of theedible composition, the amount of preservation required and the presenceof other compounds in the composition. Potassium lactate may be presentat a concentration between about 0.001-5% w/w; 0.01-5% w/w; 0.1-5% w/w;0.5-4.8% w/w; 0.5-4% w/w; 0.5-3% w/w; 0.75-3% w/w; 1-2.5% w/w; or 1-2%w/w.

In some embodiments, potassium lactate is added to the ediblecomposition in an amount sufficient to replace sodium lactate. Forexample, the amount of potassium lactate in the food or beverage afterthe sodium lactate substitute is added may range from about 0.5 to about1.5 times the replaced sodium lactate depending upon the application,e.g., if about 0.5 mg of sodium lactate is replaced, about 0.25 to about0.75 mg of potassium lactate is added. Typically, potassium lactate willbe added in the same weight amount as the sodium lactate being replaced.

Further, when the edible composition comprises an artificial sweetener,such as Acesulfame K, the amount of the sweetener added varies dependingon the nature of the edible composition, the amount of sweetnessrequired and the presence of other compounds in the composition,Acesulfame K, for example, may be present at a concentration betweenabout 1-200 ppm, 10-200 ppm, 50-150 ppm, 50-125 ppm, 75-125 ppm, and75-100 ppm, preferably about 75 ppm.

In some embodiments, an artificial sweetener is added to the ediblecomposition in an amount sufficient to replace sugar. In someembodiments, the artificial sweetener has a bitter taste or aftertaste.In some embodiments, the artificial sweetener is Acesulfame K. Forexample, the amount of Acesulfame K in the edible composition may rangefrom about 0.001 to about 0.01 times the replaced sugar depending uponthe application, e.g., if about 100 mg of sugar is replaced, about 0.1to about 1 mg of Acesulfame K is added. Typically, Acesulfame K will beadded in about 0.005 times the amount of sugar being replaced.

In some embodiments, the edible compositions are included in a package.In some embodiments, the edible composition is packaged in bulk, inwhich the package contains more of the compositions than would typicallybe used for a single dish or serving of food or beverage. Such bulkpackages can be in the form of paper, plastic, or cloth bags orcardboard boxes or drums. Such bulk packages may be fitted with plasticor metal spouts to facilitate the dispensing of the edible composition.

In some embodiments, the package contains an edible compositioncomprising a compound of the present invention and a bitter tastant. Insome embodiments, the package contains an edible composition comprisinga compound of the present invention and bitter tasting salt. In someembodiments, the package contains an edible composition comprising acompound of the present invention and a potassium salt, a magnesiumsalt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the package contains anedible composition comprising a compound of the present invention and apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the package contains an ediblecomposition comprising a compound of the present invention and KCl. Inother embodiments, the package contains an edible composition comprisinga compound of the present invention and potassium lactate. In someembodiments, the package contains an edible composition comprising acompound of the present invention a potassium salt, and a sodium salt.In other embodiments, the package contains an edible compositioncomprising a compound of the present invention, KCl and NaCl. In yetother embodiments, the package contains an edible composition comprisinga compound of the present invention, potassium lactate and sodiumlactate. In other embodiments, the package contains an ediblecomposition comprising a compound of the present invention andAcesulfame K and sugar. In other embodiments, the package contains anedible composition comprising a compound of the present invention,potassium lactate, KCl and NaCl.

In some embodiments, the edible compositions of the present inventionare compositions suitable to be used as seasonings, as ingredients infood products or as condiments. In such embodiments, the ediblecomposition may or may not contain a bitter tastant. For example, theedible composition may be used in, e.g., a seasoning which comprises abitter tastant such as, e.g., KCl. Such seasonings can be used in theplace of table salt (i.e., NaCl) to season prepared food products.Alternatively, the edible composition may be used in, e.g., a seasoningwhich does not contain a bitter tastant. Such seasonings can be used toseason prepared food products which contain a bitter tastant (eitherinherently present or added during preparation) in order to reduce thebitter taste associated with the bitter tastant. In some embodiments,the edible composition is a seasoning comprising KCl and a compound ofthe invention. In some embodiments, the edible composition is aseasoning comprising KCl, NaCl and a compound of the invention. In someembodiments the seasoning further comprises a spice or a blend ofspices.

Alternatively, the edible compositions may be used for medicinal orhygienic purposes, for example, in soaps, shampoos, mouthwash,medicines, pharmaceuticals, cough syrup, nasal sprays, toothpaste,dental adhesives, tooth whiteners, glues (e.g., on stamps andenvelopes), and toxins used in insect and rodent control.

Food Product

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. Accordingto such embodiments, the food product comprises (a) a food stuff; and(b) a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula(IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc),Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula(IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg),Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula(VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the food product further comprises a bittertastant, as described herein. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant isa potassium salt, such as KCl or potassium lactate. In specificembodiments, the potassium salt is KCl.

In some embodiments, the food product further comprises one or moreadditional flavor modifiers.

In some embodiments, the food product further comprises one or moreadditional components selected from the group consisting ofpreservatives, nutritives, flavorants or additional flavor modifiers,which may lack an inherent flavor.

Pharmaceutical Composition

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceuticalcomposition. According to such embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprises (a) a bitter tasting pharmaceutically activeingredient; and (b) a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula(IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc),Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula(IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf),Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb),Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula(IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as describedherein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, asdescribed above, or combinations thereof.

According to some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition cancomprise any bitter tasting pharmaceutically active ingredient.Non-limiting examples of bitter pharmaceutical compounds include:acetaminophen, ampicillin, azithromycin, chlorpheniramine, cimetidine,dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, erythromycin, ibuprofen, penicillin,phenylbutazone, psuedoephedrine, ranitidine, spironolactone statins(including, but not limited to, atorvastatin, ceirvastatin, fluvastatin,louvastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, andsimvastatin) and theophylline.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising (a) a pharmaceutically active ingredient; (b) acompound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula(IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula(IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula(IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof; and (c) a bitter tastant. In such embodiments,the pharmaceutical compositions may comprise any pharmaceutically activeingredient.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising (a) a pharmaceutically active ingredient; (b) acompound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula(IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula(IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula(IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof; and (c) a potassium salt. In some embodiments,the potassium salt is KCl or potassium lactate. In some embodiments, thepotassium salt is KCl.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprisesone or more additional flavor modifiers.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprisesone or more additional components selected from the group consisting ofpreservatives, nutritives, flavorants or flavor modifiers, which maylack an inherent flavor.

Consumer Product

In some embodiments, the edible compositions is a consumer product.According to such embodiments, the consumer product: comprises (a) abitter tastant; and (b) a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula(IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc),Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula(IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf),Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb),Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula(IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as describedherein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, asdescribed above, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a consumer productcomprising (a) a potassium salt; and (b) a compound of Formula (I),Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula(XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or any one ofCompounds 1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the potassium salt is KCl or potassium lactate. In someembodiments, the potassium salt is KCl.

In other embodiments, the invention provides a consumer product forreducing bitter taste of a bitter tastant, wherein said consumer productcomprises a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa),Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb). Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula(IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd),Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula(IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula(VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the potassium salt is KCl orpotassium lactate. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is KCl.

In some embodiments, the consumer product further comprises one or moreadditional flavor modifiers.

In some embodiments, the consumer product further comprises one or moreadditional components selected from the group consisting ofpreservatives, nutritives, flavorants or additional flavor modifiers,which may lack an inherent flavor.

Method of Preparing an Edible Composition

According to another aspect, the invention provides a method ofpreparing an edible composition. The method comprises: (a) providing acomestibly acceptable carrier; and (b) adding to the comestiblyacceptable carrier of (a) a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia),Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula(IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId),Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula(IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula(VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb),Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), asdescribed herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof, with the comestiblyacceptable carrier. In some embodiments, the compound of the inventionhas been dissolved in a solvent, prior to the addition step (b).

In some embodiments, the comestibly acceptable carrier in (a) isinherently bitter. In such embodiments, the comestibly acceptablecarrier may inherently contain a bitter tastant. In some embodiments,the inherent bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt. In someembodiments, the inherent bitter tastant is a potassium salt, amagnesium salt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the inherentbitter tastant is a potassium salt. In some embodiments, the inherentbitter tastant is KCl. In other embodiments, the inherent bitter tastantis potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the method of preparing a edible compositionfurther comprises: (c) adding a bitter tastant. In some embodiments, thebitter tastant is a potassium salt. In some embodiments, the potassiumsalt is KCl or potassium lactate. In specific embodiments, the potassiumsalt is KCl. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is added before thecompound of the present invention. In other embodiments, the bittertastant is added after the compound of the present invention. In someembodiments, the compounds of the present invention are combined withthe bitter tastant and then combined with the comestibly acceptablecarrier. In other embodiments, the compound of the present invention iscombined sequentially with the comestibly acceptable carrier and thenthe bitter tastant. In yet other embodiments, the compounds of thepresent, invention are combined with a mixture of the bitter tastant andthe comestibly acceptable carrier.

In some embodiments, a compound of the invention and the bitter tastant,if present, are mixed with the comestibly acceptable carrier. In otherembodiments, the compound and the bitter tastant, if present, aresprayed onto or coat the comestibly acceptable carrier. In someembodiments, the compound of the invention is plated on a carbohydrateor salt, encapsulated on a salt or a carbohydrate (spray dried), orco-crystallized with a potassium salt to create a “topping” salt.

In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt. Insome embodiments, the bitter tastant is a potassium salt, a magnesiumsalt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is KCl. In otherembodiments, the bitter tastant is potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprises a sodiumsalt. In some embodiments, the edible composition further comprisesNaCl. In other embodiments, the edible composition further comprisessodium lactate. In further embodiments, the edible composition furthercomprises sugar.

In some embodiments, the methods of preparing an edible compositionfurther comprise adding one or more additional components selected fromthe group consisting of preservatives, nutritives, flavorants or flavormodifiers, which may lack, an inherent flavor. In some embodiments, themethods of preparing an edible composition further comprise adding oneor more additional flavor modifiers.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

Method of Preparing a Food Product

According to another aspect, the invention provides a method ofpreparing an edible composition, wherein the edible composition is afood product. The method comprises: (a) providing a foodstuff; and (b)adding to the foodstuff of (a) a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia),Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula(IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId),Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula(IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula(VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb),Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), asdescribed herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments,the compound of the invention is added in the form of an ediblecomposition comprising the compound of the invention.

In some embodiments, the foodstuff in (a) is inherently bitter. In suchembodiments, the food stuff may inherently contain a bitter tastant. Insome embodiments, the inherent bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt.In some embodiments, the inherent bitter tastant is a potassium salt, amagnesium salt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the inherentbitter tastant is a potassium salt. In some embodiments, the inherentbitter tastant is KCl. In other embodiments, the inherent bitter tastantis potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) providing a food product;and (b) adding to the food product of (a) a compound of Formula (I),Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula(XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or any one ofCompounds 1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the compound of the invention is added in the form of anedible composition comprising the compound of the invention.

In some embodiments, the food product in (a) comprises a bitter tastant.In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt. Insome embodiments, the bitter tastant is a potassium salt, a magnesiumsalt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is KCl. In otherembodiments, the bitter tastant is potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the method of preparing a food product furthercomprises: (c) adding a bitter tastant. In some embodiments, the bittertastant is a potassium salt, such as KCl or potassium lactate. Inspecific embodiments, the potassium salt is KCl. In some embodiments,the bitter tastant is added before the compound of the presentinvention. In other embodiments, the bitter tastant is added after thecompound of the present invention. In some embodiments, the compound ofthe invention is added with the bitter tastant. In some embodiments, thecompound of the present invention is combined with the bitter tastantand then combined with the foodstuff or food product. In otherembodiments, the compound of the present invention is combinedsequentially with the foodstuff or food product and then the bittertastant. In yet other embodiments, the compound of the present inventionis combined with a mixture of the bitter tastant and the foodstuff orfood product.

In some embodiments, the compound and the bitter tastant, if present,are mixed with the foodstuff. In other embodiments, the compound and thebitter tastant, if present are sprayed onto or coat the foodstuff. Insome embodiments, the compound of the invention is plated on acarbohydrate or salt, encapsulated on a salt or a carbohydrate (spraydried), or co-crystallized with a potassium salt to create a “topping”salt.

In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt. Insome embodiments, the bitter tastant is a potassium salt, a magnesiumsalt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is KCl. In otherembodiments, the bitter tastant is potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the food product further comprises a sodium salt.In some embodiments, the food product further comprises NaCl. In otherembodiments, the food product further comprises sodium lactate. Infurther embodiments, the food product further comprises sugar.

In some embodiments, the methods of preparing a food product furthercomprise adding one or more additional components selected from thegroup consisting of preservatives, nutritives, flavorants or flavormodifiers, which may lack an inherent flavor.

Method of Preparing a Pharmaceutical Composition

According to another aspect, the invention provides a method ofpreparing an edible composition, wherein the edible composition is apharmaceutical composition. The method comprises: (a) providing apharmaceutically active ingredient; and (b) adding to thepharmaceutically active ingredient of (a) a compound of Formula (I),Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula(XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or any one ofCompounds 1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof, with thepharmaceutically active ingredient. In some embodiments, the compound ofthe invention is added in the form of an edible composition comprisingthe compound of the invention.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutically active ingredient in (a) isinherently bitter. In such embodiments, the pharmaceutically activeingredient may inherently contain a bitter tastant. In some embodiments,the inherent bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt. In someembodiments, the inherent bitter tastant is a potassium salt, amagnesium salt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the inherentbitter tastant is a potassium salt.

In some embodiments, the method of preparing a pharmaceuticalcomposition further comprises: (c) adding a bitter tastant. In someembodiments, the bitter tastant is a potassium salt. In someembodiments, the potassium salt is KCl or potassium lactate. In specificembodiments, the potassium salt is KCl. In some embodiments, the bittertastant is added before the compound of the present invention. In otherembodiments, the bitter tastant is added after the compound of thepresent invention. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is added withthe compound of the invention. In some embodiments, the compound of thepresent invention is combined with the bitter tastant and then combinedwith the pharmaceutically active ingredient. In other embodiments, thecompound of the present invention is combined sequentially with thepharmaceutically active ingredient and then the bitter tastant. In yetother embodiments, the compound of the present invention is combinedwith a mixture of the bitter tastant and the pharmaceutically activeingredient.

In some embodiments, the compound and the bitter tastant, if present,are mixed with the pharmaceutically active ingredient. In otherembodiments, the compound and the bitter tastant, if present, aresprayed onto or coat the pharmaceutical composition. In someembodiments, the compound of the invention is encapsulated with thepharmaceutically active ingredient. In some embodiments, the compound ofthe invention is in a form such that the rate of release is regulatedvis a vis the rate of release of the bitter tastant, which in someembodiments is the pharmaceutically active ingredient.

In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt. Insome embodiments, the bitter tastant is a potassium salt, a magnesiumsalt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is KCl. In otherembodiments, the bitter tastant is potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises asodium salt. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition furthercomprises NaCl. In other embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositionfarther comprises sodium lactate. In further embodiments, thepharmaceutical composition further comprises sugar.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Pharmaceutically acceptablecarriers that may be used in these compositions include, but are notlimited to, ion exchangers, alumina, aluminum stearate, lecithin, serumproteins such as human serum albumin, buffer substances such asphosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, partial glyceridemixtures of saturated vegetable fatty acids, water, salts orelectrolytes such as protamine sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate,potassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, zinc salts, colloidalsilica, magnesium trisilicate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, cellulose-basedsubstances, polyethylene glycol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose,polyacrylates, waxes, polyethylene-polyoxypropylene-block polymers,polyethylene glycol and wool fat.

In some embodiments, the methods of preparing a pharmaceuticalcomposition further comprise adding one or more additional componentsselected from the group consisting of preservatives, nutritives,flavorants or flavor modifiers, which may lack an inherent flavor.

Method of Reducing or Eliminating the Perception of Bitter Taste in aSubject

According to another aspect, the invention provides a method of reducingor eliminating the perception of bitter taste in a subject. The methodcomprises the use of an edible composition comprising a compoundaccording to Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula(IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula(IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula(IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof.

The method can be used to reduce or eliminate bitter taste in any ediblecomposition, including a foodstuff, food product, pharmaceuticalcomposition or consumer product. The edible composition may be in anyform. In some embodiments, the composition is in the form of, forexample, a gum, lozenge, sauce, condiment, meat matrix, meat slurry,paste, suspension, spread, coating, a liquid, a gel, an emulsion,granules, or seasoning.

In some embodiments the edible composition is utilized by, for example,placement in the oral cavity or by ingestion. In some embodiments, theedible composition is placed in the oral cavity or ingested before abitter food stuff, food product, pharmaceutical composition or consumerproduct. In some embodiments, the edible composition is placed in theoral cavity or ingested concurrently with a bitter food stuff, foodproduct, pharmaceutical composition or consumer product, either as aseparate edible composition or by incorporation in the bitter foodstuff, food product, pharmaceutical composition or consumer product. Insome embodiments, the edible composition is placed in the oral cavity oringested after a bitter food stuff, food product, pharmaceuticalcomposition or consumer product. For example, a compound of theinvention can be combined with foodstuffs or food products to reduce thebitter taste of a food product. Alternatively, a compound of theinvention can be used, for example, in a lozenge or gums for use afterexposure to a bitter food stuff, food product, pharmaceuticalcomposition or consumer product (e.g., to reduce or eliminate a bitteraftertaste).

Method of Reducing the Amount of Sodium in an Edible Composition

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofreducing the amount of sodium in an edible composition, such as a foodproduct, a pharmaceutical composition or a consumer product. In someembodiments, the invention provides a method of reducing the amount of asodium containing compound in an edible composition, such as a foodproduct, a pharmaceutical composition or a consumer product. In anotherembodiment, the invention provides a method of reducing the amount ofNaCl in an edible composition, such as a food product, a pharmaceuticalcomposition or a consumer product. In another embodiment, the inventionprovides a method of reducing the amount of sodium lactate in an ediblecomposition, such as a food product, a pharmaceutical composition or aconsumer product. In some embodiments, the sodium salt is replaced witha non-sodium salt. In some embodiments, the non-sodium salt is a calciumsalt, a magnesium salt, or a potassium salt. In some embodiments, thenon-sodium salt is a potassium salt.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) replacing an amount of asodium salt used in preparing an edible composition with an amount of apotassium salt; and (b) incorporating into the edible composition aneffective amount of a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula(IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc),Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula(IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf),Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb),Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula(IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as describedherein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, asdescribed above, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, thecompound of the invention is added in the form of an edible compositioncomprising the compound of the invention.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount; of sodium in anedible composition comprises the steps of: (a) ingesting a first ediblecomposition, in which an amount of a sodium salt has been replaced withan amount of a potassium salt; and (b) ingesting a second ediblecompound, which comprises a compound of the invention. In someembodiments, the first edible composition is ingested before the secondedible composition. In some embodiments, the first edible composition isingested after the second edible composition. In some embodiments, thefirst edible composition is ingested concurrently with the second ediblecomposition.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition, insome embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

In some embodiments, the potassium salt is added to the ediblecomposition prior to addition of an effective amount of a compound ofthe invention. In some embodiments, the potassium salt is added to theedible composition subsequent to addition of an effective amount of acompound of the invention. In some embodiments, the potassium salt isadded to the edible composition concurrent with addition of an effectiveamount of a compound of the invention.

In some embodiments, the amount of sodium replaced in the ediblecomposition in step (a) is an amount sufficient to maintain or restorethe health of a subject. In some embodiments, the amount of sodiumreplaced in the edible composition is an amount sufficient to decreasehypertension in a subject. In some embodiments, the amount of sodiumreplaced by potassium in the edible composition is an amount tosufficient to change the texture or freezing point of the ediblecomposition. In some embodiments, the amount of sodium replaced is up to1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%,45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. Theseamounts are not meant to be limiting, and increments between the recitedpercentages are specifically envisioned as part of the invention.

In some embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) reducesthe perception of bitter taste in the subject. The bitter taste iscompletely reduced or partially reduced. In some embodiments, theperception of salty taste is maintained.

In some embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) issufficient to permit replacement of up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%,8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the amount of sodium present in theedible composition with potassium. These amounts are not meant to belimiting, and increments between the recited percentages arespecifically envisioned as part of the invention. In some embodiments,the amount of compound added in step (b) is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 25% of the amount of sodium present in the ediblecomposition with potassium. In other embodiments, the amount of compoundadded in step (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of up to 50% ofthe amount of sodium present in the edible composition with potassium.In other embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) issufficient to permit replacement of up to 75% of the amount of sodiumpresent in the edible composition with potassium. In yet otherembodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) is sufficient topermit replacement of up to 100% of the amount of sodium present in theedible composition with potassium.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of sodium in anedible composition further comprises adding one or more additionalcomponents selected from the group consisting of preservatives,nutritives, flavorants or flavor modifiers, which may lack an inherentflavor.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) replacing an amount ofNaCl used in preparing an edible composition with an amount of KCl; and(b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective amount of acompound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula(IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula(IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula(IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of sodium in anedible composition comprises the steps of: (a) ingesting a first ediblecomposition, in which an amount of NaCl has been replaced with an amountof KCl; and (b) ingesting a second edible compound, which comprises acompound of the invention. In some embodiments, the first ediblecomposition is ingested before the second edible composition. In someembodiments, the first edible composition is ingested after the secondedible composition. In some embodiments, the first, edible compositionis ingested concurrently with the second edible composition.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Insome embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

In some embodiments, the KCl is added to the edible composition prior toaddition of an effective amount of a compound of the invention. In someembodiments, the KCl is added to the edible composition subsequent toaddition of an effective amount of a compound of the invention. In someembodiments, the KCl is added to the edible composition concurrent withaddition of an effective amount of a compound of the invention.

In some embodiments, the amount of NaCl replaced by KCl in the ediblecomposition in step (a) is an amount sufficient to maintain or restorethe health of a subject. In some embodiments, the amount of NaClreplaced by KCl in the edible composition is an amount sufficient todecrease hypertension in a subject. In some embodiments, the amount ofNaCl replaced by KCl in the edible composition is an amount tosufficient to change the texture or freezing point of the ediblecomposition. In some embodiments, the amount of NaCl replaced by KCl isup to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%,40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. Theseamounts are not meant to be limiting, and increments between the recitedpercentages are specifically envisioned as part of the invention.

In some embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) reducesthe perception of bitter taste in the subject. The bitter taste iscompletely reduced or partially reduced. In some embodiments, theperception of salty taste is maintained.

In some embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) issufficient to permit replacement of up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%,8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the amount of NaCl present in theedible composition with KCl. These amounts are not meant to be limiting,and increments between the recited percentages are specificallyenvisioned as part of the invention. In some embodiments, the amount ofcompound added in step (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of up to25% of the amount of NaCl present in the edible composition with KCl. Inother embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) issufficient to permit replacement of up to 50% of the amount of NaClpresent in the edible composition with KCl. In other embodiments, theamount of compound added in step (b) is sufficient to permit replacementof up to 75% of the amount of NaCl present in the edible compositionwith KCl. In yet other embodiments, the amount of compound added in step(b) is sufficient to permit replacement of up to 100% of the amount ofNaCl present in the edible composition with KCl.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of NaCl in anedible composition or food product comprises maintaining a salty flavor.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of NaCl in anedible composition further comprises adding one or more additionalcomponents selected from the group consisting of preservatives,nutritives, flavorants or flavor modifiers, which may lack an inherentflavor.

In other embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of sodium in anedible composition comprises: (a) replacing an amount of sodium lactatepresent in the edible composition with an amount of potassium lactate;and (b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective amount ofa compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula(IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula(IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula(IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of sodium in anedible composition comprises the steps of: (a) ingesting a first ediblecomposition, in which an amount of sodium lactate has been replaced withan amount of potassium lactate; and (b) ingesting a second ediblecompound, which comprises a compound of the invention. In someembodiments, the first edible composition is ingested before the secondedible composition. In some embodiments, the first edible composition isingested after the second edible composition. In some embodiments, thefirst; edible composition is ingested concurrently with the secondedible composition.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Insome embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

In some embodiments, the potassium lactate is added to the ediblecomposition prior to addition of an effective amount of a compound ofthe invention. In some embodiments, the potassium lactate is added tothe edible composition subsequent to addition of an effective amount ofa compound of the invention. In some embodiments, the potassium lactateis added to the edible composition concurrent with addition of aneffective amount of a compound of the invention.

In some embodiments, the amount, of sodium lactate replaced by potassiumlactate in the edible composition in step (a) is an amount sufficient tomaintain or restore the health of a subject. In some embodiments, theamount of sodium lactate replaced by potassium lactate in the ediblecomposition is an amount sufficient to decrease hypertension in asubject. In some embodiments, the amount of sodium lactate replaced bypotassium lactate in the edible composition is an amount to sufficientto change the texture or freezing point of the edible composition. Insome embodiments, the amount of sodium lactate replaced by potassiumlactate is up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%,30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or100%. These amounts are not meant to be limiting, and increments betweenthe recited percentages are specifically envisioned as part of theinvention.

In some embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) reducesthe perception of bitter taste in the subject. The bitter taste iscompletely reduced or partially reduced. In some embodiments, theperception of salty taste is maintained.

In some embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) issufficient to permit replacement of up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%,8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the amount of sodium lactate presentin the edible composition with potassium lactate. These amounts are notmeant to be limiting, and increments between the recited percentages arespecifically envisioned as part of the invention. In some embodiments,the amount of compound added in step (b) is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 25% of the amount of sodium lactate present in theedible composition with potassium lactate. In other embodiments, theamount of compound added in step (b) is sufficient to permit replacementof up to 50% of the amount of sodium lactate present in the ediblecomposition with potassium lactate. In other embodiments, the amount ofcompound added in step (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of up to75% of the amount of sodium lactate present in the edible compositionwith potassium lactate. In yet other embodiments, the amount of compoundadded in step (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of up to 100% ofthe amount of sodium lactate present in the edible composition withpotassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of sodium lactatein an edible composition or food product comprises maintaining thepreservation of the food product.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of sodium lactatein an edible composition further comprises adding one or more additionalcomponents selected from the group consisting of preservatives,nutritives, flavorants or flavor modifiers, which may lack an inherentflavor.

Method of Reducing the Amount of Sugar in an Edible Composition or FoodProduct

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofreducing the amount of sugar in an edible composition. In someembodiments, the method comprises: (a) replacing an amount of sugar usedin preparing an edible composition with an amount of Acesulfame K; and(b) incorporating into the edible composition an effective amount of acompound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa),Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula(IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula(IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa),Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula(IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Insome embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

In some embodiments, the Acesulfame K is added to the edible compositionprior to addition of an effective amount of a compound of the invention.In some embodiments, the Acesulfame K is added to the edible compositionsubsequent to addition of an effective amount of a compound of theinvention. In some embodiments, the Acesulfame K is added to the ediblecomposition concurrent with addition of an effective amount of acompound of the invention.

In some embodiments, the amount of sugar replaced in the ediblecomposition in (a) is an amount sufficient to maintain or restore thehealth of a subject. In some embodiments, the amount of sugar replacedin the edible composition is an amount sufficient to result in weightloss in a subject. In some embodiments, the amount of sugar replaced byAcesulfame K in the edible composition is an amount to sufficient toalleviate the effects of, or treat, a disease associated with sugarconsumption or excessive weight of the subject (e.g., diabetes). In someembodiments, the amount of sugar replaced by Acesulfame K is up to 1%,2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%,50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%). These amountsare not meant to be limiting, and increments between the recitedpercentages are specifically envisioned as part of the invention.

In some embodiments, the amount of compound added in (b) reduces theperception of bitter taste in the subject. The bitter taste iscompletely reduced or partially reduced. In some embodiments, theperception of sweet taste is maintained.

In some embodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) issufficient to permit replacement of up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%,8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% of the amount of sugar present in theedible composition with Acesulfame K. These amounts are not meant to belimiting, and increments between the recited percentages arespecifically envisioned as part of the invention. In some embodiments,the amount of compound added in step (b) is sufficient to permitreplacement of up to 25% of the amount of sugar present in the ediblecomposition with Acesulfame K. In other embodiments, the amount ofcompound added in step (b) is sufficient to permit replacement of up to50% of the amount of sugar present in the edible composition withAcesulfame K. In other embodiments, the amount of compound added in step(b) is sufficient to permit replacement of up to 75% of the amount ofsugar present in the edible composition with Acesulfame K. In yet otherembodiments, the amount of compound added in step (b) is sufficient topermit replacement of up to 100% of the amount of sugar present in theedible composition with Acesulfame K.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of sugar in anedible composition comprises maintaining a sweet flavor.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the amount of sugar in anedible composition or food product further comprises adding one or moreadditional components selected from the group consisting ofpreservatives, nutritives, flavorants or flavor modifiers, which maylack an inherent flavor.

Method of Reducing Sodium Intake of a Subject

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofreducing sodium intake of a subject. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises the step of providing an edible composition of the presentinvention to the subject, wherein all or a portion of the sodium saltsin the edible composition is replaced with one or more non-sodium salts,and wherein the edible composition comprises a compound of the presentinvention. In some embodiments, the non-sodium salt is a calcium salt, amagnesium salt, or a potassium salt. In some embodiments, the non-sodiumsalt is a potassium salt. In some embodiments, the edible composition isa food product. In some embodiments, the edible composition is apharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the edible compositionis a consumer product. In some embodiments the sodium salt is NaCl andthe potassium salt is KCl. In some embodiments, the sodium salt issodium lactate and the potassium salt is potassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the methods of reducing sodium intake of a subjectfurther comprise the step of identifying a subject in need thereof. Theskilled worker would be able to identify a subject in need of reducingsodium intake. Non-limiting examples of such subjects include subjectsthat suffer from any one or more of the following disorders:hypernatremia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, edema, seizures dueto cerebral edema, dehydration (due to excess sweating, diarrhea,urinary tract disorders or diuretics), diabetes insipidus, Conn'ssyndrome, and Cushing's syndrome.

In some embodiments, the amount of the sodium salt replaced by apotassium salt in the edible composition is an amount sufficient tomaintain or restore the health of a subject. In some embodiments, theamount of the sodium salt replaced by a potassium salt in the ediblecomposition is an amount sufficient to decrease hypertension in asubject. In some embodiments, the amount of the sodium salt replaced bya potassium salt in the edible composition is up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%,6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%,65%, 70% 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. These amounts are not meant tobe limiting, and increments between the recited percentages arespecifically envisioned as part of the invention. In some embodiments, asubject's daily sodium intake is less than 2500 mg/day, less than 2000mg/day, less than 1500 mg/day, less than 1000 mg/day, or less than 500mg/day, where desirable.

In some embodiments, the amount of the compound of the invention addedto the edible composition is sufficient to permit reduction of asubject's sodium intake by up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%,10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% 75%,80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. These amounts are not meant to be limiting,and increments between the recited percentages are specificallyenvisioned as part of the invention. In some embodiments, the amount ofcompound of the invention added to the edible composition is sufficientto permit reduction of the subject's sodium intake by up to 25%. Inother embodiments, the amount of compound of the invention added to theedible composition is sufficient to permit reduction of the subject'ssodium intake by up to 50%. In other embodiments, the amount of compoundof the invention added to the edible composition is sufficient to permitreduction of the subject's sodium intake by up to 75%. In yet otherembodiments, the amount of compound of the invention added to the ediblecomposition is sufficient to permit reduction of the subject's sodiumintake by up to 100%.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing sodium intake of a subjectfurther comprises adding one or more additional components selected fromthe group consisting of preservatives, nutritives, flavorants or flavormodifiers, which may lack an inherent flavor.

Method of Reducing Sugar Intake of a Subject

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofreducing sugar intake of a subject. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises the step of providing an edible composition of the presentinvention to the subject, wherein all or a portion of the sugar in theedible composition is replaced with Acesulfame K, and wherein the ediblecomposition comprises a compound of the present invention. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Insome embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

In some embodiments, the methods of reducing sugar intake of a subjectfurther comprise the step of identifying a subject in need thereof. Theskilled worker would be able to identify a subject in need of reducingsugar intake. Non-limiting examples of such subjects include subjectsthat suffer from any one or more of the following disorders: diabetes,pre-diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, excessive weight, andhyperglycemia.

In some embodiments, the amount of sugar replaced by Acesulfame K in theedible composition is an amount sufficient to maintain or restore thehealth of a subject. In some embodiments, the amount of sugar replacedby Acesulfame K in the edible composition is an amount sufficient toresult in weight, loss in a subject. In some embodiments, the amount ofsugar replaced by Acesulfame K in the edible composition is an amount tosufficient to alleviate the effects of, or treat, a disease associatedwith sugar consumption or excessive weight of the subject (e.g.,diabetes). In some embodiments, the amount of sugar replaced byAcesulfame K in the edible composition is up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%,7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%,70% 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. These amounts are not meant to belimiting, and increments between the recited percentages arespecifically envisioned as part of the invention. In some embodiments,the subject's daily sugar intake is less than 250 g/day, less than 200g/day, less than 175 g/day, less than 150 g/day, less than 125 g/day,less than 100 g/day, less than 75 g/day, less than 50 g/day or less than25 g/day.

In some embodiments, the amount, of compound of the invention added tothe edible composition is sufficient to permit reduction of a subject'ssugar intake by up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%,25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%or 100%. These amounts are not meant to be limiting, and incrementsbetween the recited percentages are specifically envisioned as part ofthe invention. In some embodiments, the amount of compound of theinvention added to the edible composition is sufficient to permitreduction of a subject's sugar intake by up to 25%. In otherembodiments, the amount: of compound of the invention added to theedible composition is sufficient to permit reduction of a subject'ssugar intake by up to 50%. In other embodiments, the amount of compoundof the invention added to the edible composition is sufficient to permitreduction of a subject's sugar intake by up to 75%. In yet otherembodiments, the amount of compound of the invention added to the ediblecomposition is sufficient to permit reduction of a subject's sugarintake by up to 100%.

In some embodiments, the method of method of reducing sugar intake of asubject further comprises adding one or more additional componentsselected from the group consisting of preservatives, nutritives,flavorants or flavor modifiers, which may lack an inherent flavor.

Method of Reducing Bitter Taste of an Edible Composition

According to another embodiment, the invention provides methods ofreducing the bitter taste in an edible composition. In some embodiments,the edible composition is a food product. In some embodiments, theedible composition is a pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments,the edible composition is a consumer product.

In one embodiment, the method comprises: (a) adding an effective amountof a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula(IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc),Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula(IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg),Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula(VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc),Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as described herein, orcombinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, as described above,or combinations thereof, to an edible composition such that bitter tasteis reduced.

In alternate embodiments, the method comprises: (a) ingesting aneffective amount of a compound of Formula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula(IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc),Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula(IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf),Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb),Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula(IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as describedherein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds 1-134, asdescribed above, or combinations thereof, before, along with, or afterthe edible composition such that bitter taste is reduced.

In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is a bitter tasting salt. Insome embodiments, the bitter tastant is a potassium salt, a magnesiumsalt, or a calcium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the bitter tastant is KCl. In otherembodiments, the bitter tastant is potassium lactate. In someembodiments, the bitter tastant is inherent in the edible composition,such as in an inherently bitter foodstuff.

In some embodiments, the bitter taste is reduced by up to 1%, 2%, 3%,4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,55%, 60%, 65%, 70% 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. These amounts arenot meant to be limiting, and increments between the recited percentagesare specifically envisioned as part of the invention. In someembodiments, the bitter taste is reduced by up to 25%. In otherembodiments, the bitter taste is reduced by up to 50%. In otherembodiments, the bitter taste is reduced by up to 75%. In otherembodiments, the bitter taste is reduced by up to 100%.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the bitter taste attributedto a bitter tastant in an edible composition further comprises addingone or more additional components selected from the group consisting ofpreservatives, nutritives, flavorants or flavor modifiers (which lack aninherent flavor).

Method of Preserving an Edible Composition

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofpreserving an edible composition an edible composition comprising:

-   -   (a) providing an edible composition; and    -   (b) combining with the edible composition of (a) a preservative        and an effective amount of compound of Formula (I), Formula        (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula        (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula        (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula        (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula        (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula        (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula        (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), as        described herein, or combinations thereof.

In another embodiment, the method of preserving an edible compositioncomprises:

-   -   (a) providing an edible composition; and    -   (b) combining with the edible composition of (a) a preservative        and an effective amount of any one of Compounds 1-134, or        combinations thereof.

According to the invention, the preservative can be any bitter-tastingpreservative. In some embodiments, the preservative in (a) is apotassium salt. In some embodiments, the preservative in (a) ispotassium lactate.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Insome embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

In some embodiments, the method of preserving an edible compositionfurther comprises adding one or more additional components selected fromthe group consisting of preservatives, nutritives, flavorants or flavormodifiers, which may lack an inherent flavor.

Method of Reducing the Amount of Sodium in an Edible Composition whilePreserving the Edible Composition

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofreducing the amount of sodium in an edible composition while preservingthe edible composition. In some embodiments, the method comprisesreplacing an amount of sodium containing preservative used in preparingan edible composition with an amount of potassium containingpreservative and adding an effective amount of a compound of Formula(I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula(VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa),Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula(XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or any one ofCompounds 1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method comprises replacing an amount of sodiumlactate used in preparing an edible composition with an amount ofpotassium lactate and adding an effective amount of a compound ofFormula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb),Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula(IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula(IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) orFormula (XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or any oneof Compounds 1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Insome embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

In some embodiments, the effective amount of the compound is sufficientto permit reduction of the amount of sodium lactate typically used inpreparing an edible composition by up to 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%,9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70% 75%,80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. These amounts are not meant to be limiting,and increments between the recited percentages are specificallyenvisioned as part of the invention. In some embodiments, the effectiveamount of the compound is sufficient to permit reduction of the amountof sodium lactate typically present in an edible composition by up to25%. In other embodiments, the effective amount of the compound issufficient to permit reduction of the amount of sodium lactate typicallypresent in an edible composition by up to 50%. In other embodiments, theeffective amount of the compound is sufficient to permit reduction ofthe amount of sodium lactate typically present in an edible compositionby up to 75%. In yet other embodiments, the effective amount of thecompound is sufficient to permit reduction of the amount of sodiumlactate typically present in an edible composition by up to 100%.

In some embodiments, the method of reducing the bitter taste attributedto a bitter tastant in an edible composition further comprises addingone or more additional components selected from the group consisting ofpreservatives, nutritives, flavorants or flavor modifiers, which maylack an inherent flavor. In some embodiments, the method of reducing theamount of sodium lactate in an edible composition while preserving thefood product further comprises adding one or more additional flavormodifiers.

Method of Inhibiting a Bitter Taste Receptor

According to another embodiment, the invention provides a method ofinhibiting or reducing activation and/or signaling of a bitter tastereceptor. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting a bittertaste receptor with a compound according to Formula (I), Formula (Ia),Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula (IIIb), Formula(IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId),Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula(IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula(VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb),Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), asdescribed herein, or combinations thereof, or any one of Compounds1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments,the method comprises contacting a bitter taste receptor with any one ofCompounds 1-58, or 61-134, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting a bitter tastereceptor with an edible composition comprising a compound according toFormula (I), Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb),Formula (IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula(IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe),Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), Formula (IIh), Formula (V),Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (VIII), Formula(IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), Formula (IXd), Formula (XI) orFormula (XII), as described herein, or combinations thereof, or any oneof Compounds 1-134, as described above, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the edible composition is a food product. In someembodiments, the edible composition is a pharmaceutical composition. Insome embodiments, the edible composition is a consumer product.

In some embodiments, the bitter taste receptor is an ex vivo receptorpresent in, for example, an assay. In some embodiments, the bitter tastereceptor is an in vitro receptor present in, for example, an assay. Inother embodiments, the bitter taste receptor is an in vivo receptorpresent in a subject. In some embodiments, the bitter taste receptor ispresent in the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract of a subject. Insome embodiments, the bitter receptor is in the oral cavity of a human.In some embodiments, the bitter receptor is in the oral cavity of anon-human animal. In some embodiments, the bitter receptor is in theoral cavity of an animal model.

In some embodiments, inhibition of a bitter taste receptor will affect aphysiological process or condition. Non-limiting examples ofphysiological processes and conditions affected by inhibition of bittertaste receptors include bitter taste, hypertension, nausea, emesis,effects on the gastrointestinal tract, appetite, nutrition, nutrientabsorption, satiety, hunger, diabetes, obesity, blood glucose levels,blood glucose regulation, metabolism, diet, and eating disorders.

Preparation of the Compounds of the Invention

Terpenoid Compounds

In some embodiments, one or more of the compounds of Formula (I),Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), or Formula (IIh), as describedherein, is commercially available, for example from commercial sourcessuch as Sigma-Aldrich® of St. Louis, Mo., USA; TCI America, Portland,Oreg., USA; and Acros Organics, Geel, Belgium; among others.

In other embodiments, one or more of the compounds of Formula (I),Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), Formula(IIIb), Formula (IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId),Formula (IIId), Formula (IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula(IVe), Formula (IIf), Formula (IIg), or Formula (IIh) is prepared fromcommercially available reagents by routine methods in synthetic organicchemistry.

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (I), Formula (Ia),Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), or Formula (IIIb) isprepared by in a multi-step sequence beginning with epoxidation of dieneA1 to afford epoxide P1, which then undergoes Brønsted acid or Lewisacid catalyzed cyclization to afford cyclohexene P2 after quenching ofthe cation by deprotonation. Reduction of the olefin of P2 followed byelimination of the hydroxy group affords olefin product P3 (Scheme I):

Suitable epoxidation conditions include those known in the art forepoxidizing olefins, such as use of hydrogen peroxide, peroxycarboxylicacids (e.g., perbenzoic acids, such as m-CPBA), alkyl hydroperoxides(e.g., tert-butylperoxide), acetone peroxide, or transition metalreagents, such as osmium tetroxide, manganese with sodium hypochlorite(Jacobsen epoxidation), or titanium with tartrate ester (Sharplessepoxidation). In one embodiment, selective epoxidation of the internalolefin of A1 is achieved by the use of a directing group on the—C(R²)(R³)(R⁴) moiety, such as a hydroxy group. Moreover, epoxidation ofA1 can also be stereoselective through the use of chiral reagents and/orcatalysts, such as those used in the Jacobsen epoxidation or theSharpless epoxidation. Stereoselective epoxidation can afford anenantiomerically enriched cyclization product P3 as the stereochemistryof the epoxide can be transferred during the cyclization step.

In some instances, the cyclization step in Scheme 1 is promoted by thepresence of Brønsted acids, such as inorganic acids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄,etc.) or organic acids (acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, triflic acid,etc.). In certain embodiments, the cyclization step in Scheme I ispromoted by the use of Lewis acids, such as boron compounds (e.g.,Bu₂BOTf or BF₃.Et₂O), titanium compounds (e.g., TiCl₄ or titaniumalkoxides), aluminum compounds (e.g., AlCl₃ or aluminum alkoxides),silicon compounds (e.g., trialkylsilyl triflates, such as TMS-OTf,trialkylsilyl halides, etc.), and the like.

Suitable reducing conditions include those known in the art for reducingolefins, such as hydrogenolysis with hydrogen and palladium, such aspalladium on carbon.

During the final elimination step of Scheme I, the hydroxy group may beconverted to a leaving group to facilitate the elimination. Suitableleaving groups include those recognized in the art for eliminationreactions, such as halide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), alkoxy, aryloxy,activated leaving groups, and the like. In some embodiments, eliminationconditions also employ an inorganic or organic base. Suitable basesinclude those recognized in the art for such reactions, and include butare not limited to alkaline and alkaline earth metal hydroxides (such asNaOH, LiOH, etc.), carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.) andbicarbonates (such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.). Other suitable bases includeaprotic amine bases, such as triethylamine, pyridine, 2,6-lutidine,1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU), 4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. Insome instances, suitable bases include strong bases such as alkoxides(such as sodium or potassium tert-butoxide), lithium diisopropyl amide(LDA), lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), sodiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (NaHMDS), and the like. In other instances, theelimination employs acidic conditions. Suitable acids include inorganicacids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄, etc.) or organic acids (acetic acid,trifluoroacetic acid, triflic acid, etc.).

Although in Scheme I the cation formed during the cyclization step isquenched by deprotonation resulting in an olefin, in other embodiments,the cation is quenched by addition of water. The resulting hydroxy groupcan also be eliminated and the resulting olefin reduced.

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (I), Formula (Ia),Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), or Formula (IIIb) isprepared by nucleophilic attack by nucleophile A2 on aldehyde P3,wherein R³ and R⁴ together form ═O, followed by oxidation of theresulting alcohol P4 to afford product P5 (Scheme II):

Oxidation can be carried out using routine methods known in the art,such as Swern oxidation, PCC, TPAP/NMO, Dess-Martin periodinane, IBX,TEMPO, etc.

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (I), Formula(Ia), Formula (IIa), Formula (IIIa), Formula (IIb), or Formula (IIIb) isprepared by nucleophilic attack by nucleophile A2 on acyl compound P3,wherein R³ and R⁴ together form ═O, to displace leaving group LG toafford product P5 (Scheme III):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art foracylation reactions, such as halide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), alkoxy,aryloxy, leaving groups associated with activated esters (e.g.,N-succinamide or that associated with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide), and thelike. In some embodiments, acylation conditions also employ an inorganicor organic base. Suitable bases include those recognized in the art forsuch reactions, and include but are not limited to alkaline and alkalineearth metal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.), carbonates (such asNa₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃,etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, such as ammonia,ammonium, hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc.

In one particular embodiment, compound P3 is an acid halide, such as anacid chloride or bromide, and the acylation reaction proceeds in thepresence of an aprotic amine base, such as triethylamine, pyridine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine. When P3 is an acid halide, compound P3 canbe prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acid using routine methodsknown in the art.

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (I), Formula (IIc),Formula (IIIc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IIe), Formula(IIIe), or Formula (IIf) is prepared by oxidation of alcohol A3 toaldehyde P6 (Scheme IV):

Oxidation can be carried out using routine methods known in the art,such as Swern oxidation, PCC, TPAP/NMO, Dess-Martin periodinane, IBX,TEMPO, etc.

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (I), Formula(IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), or Formula (IIf) is prepared by nucleophilic attack bynucleophile A2 on aldehyde P6 followed by oxidation of the resultingalcohol P7 to afford product P8 (Scheme V):

In some embodiments, one or more compounds of Formula (I), Formula(IIc), Formula (IIIc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IIe),Formula (IIIe), or Formula (IIf) is prepared by nucleophilic attack bynucleophile A2 on acyl compound A4 to displace leaving group LG toafford product P8 (Scheme VI):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art foracylation reactions, such as halide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), alkoxy,aryloxy, leaving groups associated with activated esters (e.g.,N-succinamide or that associated with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide), and thelike. In some embodiments, acylation conditions also employ an inorganicor organic base. Suitable bases include those recognized in the art forsuch reactions, and include but are not limited to alkaline and alkalineearth metal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.), carbonates (such asNa₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃,etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, such as ammonia,ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc.

In one particular embodiment, compound A4 is an acid halide, such as anacid chloride or bromide, and the acylation reaction proceeds in thepresence of an aprotic amine base, such as triethylamine, pyridine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine. When A4 is an acid halide, compound A4 canbe prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acid using routine methodsknown in the art.

In some embodiments, compound A4 is prepared from the correspondingcarboxylic acid using routine methods known in the art. In otherembodiments, compound A4 is prepared from alcohol A3 by oxidation usingmethods known in the art.

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (I), Formula (IIc),Formula (IIIc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula (IIe), Formula(IIIe), Formula (IIf), or Formula (IIh) is prepared by acetal formationunder acidic conditions between aldehyde P6 and nucleophile A2, when R²represents alkoxy, to afford acetal product P9 (Scheme VII):

Suitable acids for acetal formation include inorganic acids (e.g., HCl,H₂SO₄, etc.) and organic acids (acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid,triflic acid, etc.).

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (I), Formula (IIc),Formula (IIIc), Formula (IVc), Formula (IId), Formula (IIId), Formula(IVd), Formula (IIe), Formula (IIIe), Formula (IVe), Formula (IIf),Formula (IIg), or Formula (IIh), wherein R⁴ is —OC(O)—R, is prepared byacylation of alcohol A3 with acyl compound A5 bearing leaving group LGto afford product P10 (Scheme VIII):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art foracylation reactions, such as halide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo),aryloxy, leaving groups associated with activated esters (e.g.,N-succinamide or that associated with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide), and thelike. In certain embodiments, acyl compound A5 is an acid anhydride;that is LG is —OC(O)R. In some embodiments, acylation conditions alsoemploy an inorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include thoserecognized in the art for such reactions, and include but are notlimited to alkaline and alkaline earth metal carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃,K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.) and bicarbonates (such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.).Other suitable bases include amine bases, such as ammonia, ammoniumhydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc.

In one particular embodiment, compound A5 is an acid halide, such as anacid chloride or bromide, and the acylation reaction proceeds in thepresence of an amine base, such as triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, 2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc.

In another embodiment, compound A2 is an activated ester and acylationproceeds under mild conditions that do not result in the generation ofstrong acids.

Compound A5 can be prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acid usingroutine methods known in the art.

Chroman Compounds

In some embodiments, one or more of the compounds of Formula (V),Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), or Formula (VIIa), as described herein, iscommercially available, for example from commercial sources such asSigma-Aldrich® of St Louis, Mo., USA; TCI America, Portland, Oreg., USA;and Acros Organics, Geel, Belgium; among others.

In other embodiments, one or more of the compounds of Formula (V),Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), or Formula (VIIa), is prepared fromcommercially available reagents by routine methods in synthetic organicchemistry.

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (V), Formula (VIa),Formula (VIb), or Formula (VIIa) is prepared by cyclization of phenolA21 by intramolecular displacement of leaving group LG (Scheme IX):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art, such ashalide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), triflate, mesylate, tosylate,alkoxy, acyloxy, and the like. In some instances, the displacementreaction employs an inorganic or organic base in order to deprotonatethe phenol. Suitable bases include those recognized in the art for suchreactions, and include but are not limited to alkaline and alkalineearth metal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.), carbonates (such asNa₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃,etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, such as ammonia,ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. In some embodiments, LG is hydroxy andthe cyclization is promoted by acidic conditions, such as with inorganicacids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄, etc.) or organic acids (acetic acid,trifluoroacetic acid, triflic acid, etc.).

In certain embodiments, phenol A21 is prepared in two steps, first bynucleophilic attack on ketone A22 with nucleophile A23 to give alcoholP22, second by conversion of the tertiary alcohol of P22 to leavinggroup LG (Scheme X):

Conversion of the tertiary alcohol of P22 to leaving group LG can beperformed by routine methods known in the art, such as conversion to ahalide, mesylate, tosylate, or triflate, acylation, or treatment withinorganic acids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄, etc.) or organic acids (acetic acid,trifluoroacetic acid, triflic acid, etc.).

In certain embodiments, phenol A21, wherein R⁴ or R⁵ is H, is preparedin two steps, first by nucleophilic attack on aldehyde A24 withnucleophile A23 to give alcohol P23, second by conversion of thesecondary alcohol of P23 to leaving group LG (Scheme XI):

Conversion of the secondary alcohol of P23 to leaving group LG can beperformed by routine methods known in the art, such as conversion to ahalide, mesylate, tosylate, or triflate, acylation, or treatment withinorganic acids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄, etc.) or organic acids (acetic acid,trifluoroacetic acid, triflic acid, etc.).

In some embodiments, aldehyde A24 is prepared by oxidation of primaryalcohol A25 (Scheme XII):

Oxidation can be carried out using routine methods known in the art,such as Swern oxidation, PCC, TPAP/NMO, Dess-Martin periodinane, IBX,TEMPO, etc.

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (V) or Formula(VIb) is prepared by lactonization between the phenol and activatedcarboxyl group —C(O)-LG of A26 resulting in loss of leaving group LG toafford lactone P24 (Scheme XIII):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art, such ashalide (e.g., chloro, bromo), alkoxy, acyloxy, activated groups (e.g.,—O—N-succinamide, or that generated by use of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide,DCC), and the like. When LG is halide, suitable lactonization conditionsoften employ an inorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include thoserecognized in the art for such reactions, and include but are notlimited to alkaline and alkaline earth metal carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃,K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.) and bicarbonates (such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.).Other suitable bases include amine bases, such as ammonia, ammoniumhydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc.

In another embodiment, compound A22 is prepared by nucleophilic attackof nucleophile A23 on lactone P24 (Scheme XIV):

In another embodiment, ketone A22 is prepared by oxidation of secondaryalcohol P23 (Scheme XV):

Oxidation can be carried out using routine methods known in the art,such as Swern oxidation, PCC, TPAP/NMO, Dess-Martin periodinane, IBX,TEMPO, etc.

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (V) or Formula(VIb), wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are H, is prepared by reduction of lactone P24to the corresponding cyclic ether P25 (Scheme XVI):

Suitable reduction conditions include those known in the art forreducing esters, such as treatment with hydride sources, such as lithiumaluminum hydride (LiAlH₄, diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL), andvarious borane compounds.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that any of the above reactions inwhich a stereogenic center is formed can be performed underenantioselective conditions that produce a product enriched in oneenantiomer, for example, with greater than about 25, 50, 70, 80, 90, 95,97, 98, or 99% ee. Such stereoselectivity can be induced through the useof chiral auxiliaries, reagents, and catalysts as known in the art.

Benzo Ring-Containing Compounds

In some embodiments, one or more of the compounds of Formula (VIII),Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), or Formula (IXd), asdescribed herein, is commercially available, for example from commercialsources such as Sigma-Aldrich® of St. Louis, Mo., USA; TCI America,Portland, Oreg., USA; and Acros Organics, Geel, Belgium; among others.

In other embodiments, one or more of the compounds of Formula (VIII),Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), Formula (IXc), or Formula (IXd) isprepared from commercially available reagents by routine methods insynthetic organic chemistry.

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (VIII), Formula(IXa), Formula (IXb), or Formula (IXc) is prepared by esteriftcation ofbenzoic acid A31 (when X is OH) or of acid halide A31 (when X is halide)with alcohol A32 to afford ester P31 (Scheme XVII):

Suitable esterification conditions when X is OH include those known inthe art, such as Fischer esterification, Steglich esterification (i.e.,using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, DCC), as well as others involvingactivated esters (when X is an activated group, such as—O—N-succinamide). When X is halide, suitable esterification conditionsoften employ an inorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include thoserecognized in the art for such reactions, and include but are notlimited to alkaline and alkaline earth metal carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃,K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.) and bicarbonates (such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.).Other suitable bases include amine bases, such as ammonia, ammoniumhydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc.

Compound A31 (when X is halide) can be prepared from the correspondingcarboxylic acid using routine methods known in the art.

Although not pictured, in some instances, one or more compounds ofFormula (VIII), Formula (IXa), Formula (IXb), or Formula (IXc) isprepared by esterification of the acid anhydride of benzoic acid A31(when X is OH) with alcohol A32 to afford ester P31. When utilizing anacid anhydride, suitable esterification conditions often employ aninorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include those recognized inthe art for such reactions, and include but are not limited to alkalineand alkaline earth metal carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.)and bicarbonates (such as NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.). Other suitable basesinclude amine bases, such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine,pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidine, 2,6-lutidine,1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU), 4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. Insome instances, reaction with acid anhydrides also includes use of areagent that reacts with the acid anhydride to generate an activatedester in situ.

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (VIII), Formula(IXa), Formula (IXb), or Formula (IXc) is prepared by alkylation ofbenzoate A31 (when X is O⁻) with compound A33 by displacement of theleaving group LG of A33 to afford ester P31 (Scheme XVIII):

In some instances, the benzoate is generated by deprotonating benzoicacid A31 (when X is OH) with an inorganic or organic base. Suitablebases include those recognized in the art for such reactions, andinclude but are not limited to alkaline and alkaline earth metalcarbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.) and bicarbonates (suchas NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, suchas ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, 2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. Suitable leaving groups include thoserecognized in the art, such as halide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo),triflate, mesylate, tosylate, and the like.

In certain embodiments, one or more compounds of Formula (VIII) orFormula (IXd) is prepared by nucleophilic addition of one or morenucleophiles A34 to ester P31 to afford alcohol P32, which canoptionally under go etherification with compound A33 by displacement ofleaving group LG to afford ether P33 (Scheme XIX):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art, such ashalide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), triflate, mesylate, tosylate, andthe like. In some instances, the displacement reaction employs aninorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include those recognized inthe art for such reactions, and include but are not limited to alkalineand alkaline earth metal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.),carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (suchas NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, suchas ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, 2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. In some instances, suitable basesinclude strong bases such as alkoxides (such as sodium or potassiumtert-butoxide), lithium diisopropyl amide (LDA), lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide(NaHMDS), and the like.

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (VIII) orFormula (IXd) is prepared by nucleophilic addition of nucleophile A34 toaldehyde A35 to afford alcohol P34 (Scheme XX):

In certain embodiments, alcohol P34 is oxidized to a carbonyl (e.g.,using routine methods known in the art, such as Swern oxidation, PCC,TPAP/NMO, Dess-Martin periodinane, IBX, TEMPO, etc.), which is thensubjected to nucleophilic attack by nucleophile A34 (which can be thesame or different from A34 in Scheme XX) to afford alcohol P32, which,as noted above, can optionally undergo etherification with compound A33to afford ether P33 (Scheme XXI):

In some embodiments, one or more compounds of Formula (VIII) or Formula(IXd) is prepared by etherification of alcohol P34 with compound A33 bydisplacement of the leaving group LG to afford ether P35 (Scheme XXII):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art, such ashalide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), triflate, mesylate, tosylate, andthe like. In some instances, the displacement reaction employs aninorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include those recognized inthe art for such reactions, and include but are not limited to alkalineand alkaline earth metal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.),carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (suchas NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, suchas ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, 2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. In some instances, suitable basesinclude strong bases such as alkoxides (such as sodium or potassiumtert-butoxide), lithium diisopropyl amide (IDA), lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide(NaHMDS), and the like.

In some embodiments, one or more compounds of Formula (VIII) or Formula(IXd), wherein R² and/or R³ is hydrogen, is prepared by reduction ofester P31 to ether P36 (Scheme XXIII):

Suitable reduction conditions include those known in the art forreducing esters, such as treatment with hydride sources, such as lithiumaluminum hydride (LiAlH₄), diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL), andvarious borane compounds.

In certain embodiments, one or more compounds of Formula (VIII) orFormula (IXd), wherein R² and/or R³ is hydrogen, is prepared byetherification of benzyl alcohol A36 with compound A33 by displacementof the leaving group LG to afford to ether P36 (Scheme XXIV):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art, such ashalide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), triflate, mesylate, tosylate, andthe like. In some instances, the displacement reaction employs aninorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include those recognized inthe art for such reactions, and include but are not limited to alkalineand alkaline earth metal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.),carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (suchas NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, suchas ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, 2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. In some instances, suitable basesinclude strong bases such as alkoxides (such as sodium or potassiumtert-butoxide), lithium diisopropyl amide (LDA), lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide(NaHMDS), and the like.

In alternate embodiments, one or more compounds of Formula (VIII) orFormula (IXd), wherein R² and/or R³ is hydrogen, is prepared byetherification of alcohol A32 with compound A37 by displacement of theleaving group LG to afford to ether P36 (Scheme XXV):

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art, such ashalide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), triflate, mesylate, tosylate, andthe like. In some instances, the displacement reaction employs aninorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include those recognized inthe art for such reactions, and include but are not limited to alkalineand alkaline earth metal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.),carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (suchas NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, suchas ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, 2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. In some instances, suitable basesinclude strong bases such as alkoxides (such as sodium or potassiumtert-butoxide), lithium diisopropyl amide (LDA), lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide(NaHMDS), and the like.

Polycyclic Compounds

In some embodiments, one or more of the compounds of Formula (XI) orFormula (XII) as described herein, is commercially available, forexample from commercial sources such as Sigma-Aldrich® of St. Louis,Mo., USA; TCI America, Portland, Oreg., USA; and Acros Organics, Geel,Belgium; among others.

In other embodiments, one or more of the compounds of Formula (XI) orFormula (XII) is prepared from commercially available reagents byroutine methods in synthetic organic chemistry.

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (XI) is prepared byreduction of a commercially available ketone A41, such as camphor (e.g.,where R¹, R², and R³ are methyl and R⁶ and R⁷ are hydrogen) to affordalcohol P41 (i.e., wherein R⁴ is hydrogen) (Scheme XVI). Ketones such asA41 are commercially available in racemic and enantiomerically enrichedforms. The alcohol product P41 is optionally etherified or acylated withcompound A42 by displacement of the leaving group LG to afford to etheror acyl compound P42 (Scheme XXVI):

Suitable reduction conditions include those known in the art forreducing ketones, such as treatment with hydride sources, such aslithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄), diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL),and various borane compounds. In some instances, reduction of the ketoneis diastereoselective such that an excess of one diastereomeric productis prepared, such as an excess of the endo alcohol or the exo alcohol.

Suitable leaving groups include those recognized in the art, such ashalide (e.g., chloro, bromo, iodo), triflate, mesylate, tosylate, andthe like. In some instances, the displacement reaction employs aninorganic or organic base. Suitable bases include those recognized inthe art for such reactions, and include but are not limited to alkalineand alkaline earth metal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.),carbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (suchas NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.). Other suitable bases include amine bases, suchas ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine,pyrrolidine, 2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc. Its some instances, suitable basesinclude strong bases such as alkoxides (such as sodium or potassiumtert-butoxide), lithium diisopropyl amide (LDA), lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide(NaHMDS), and the like.

In some embodiments, when alcohol P41 is acylated, compound A42 is aacylhalide or an acid anhydride. In one particular embodiment, compoundA42 is an acid halide, such as an acid chloride or bromide, and theacylation reaction proceeds in the presence of an aprotic amine base,such as triethylamine, pyridine, 2,6-lutidine,1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU), 4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine. When A42is an acid halide, compound A42 can be prepared from the correspondingcarboxylic acid using routine methods known in the art.

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (XI) is preparedby nucleophilic addition of nucleophile A43 (e.g., Grignard reagent,alkyllithium reagent) to ketone A41 to afford alcohol P43 (SchemeXXVII). As noted above for the alcohol product P41, the alcohol productP43 is optionally etherified or acylated with compound A42, bydisplacement of the leaving group LG to afford to ether or acyl compoundP44 (Scheme XXVII):

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (XI), isprepared by enolizing commercially available ketone A41′ (e.g., whereinone or both of R₆ and R₇ is hydrogen) with a strong base, optionally inthe presence of a Lewis acid. The resulting enolate intermediate canthen be reacted with electrophile A44 to afford product P45 (SchemeXXVIII).

Examples of suitable bases for enolizing ketone A41′ include strongbases such as alkoxides (such as sodium or potassium tert-butoxide),lithium diisopropyl amide (LDA), lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide(LiHMDS), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (NaHMDS), and the like.

Examples of suitable Lewis acids for promoting the enolization of ketoneA41 include boron compounds (e.g., Bu₂BOTf or BF₃.Et₂O), titaniumcompounds (e.g., TiCl₄ or titanium alkoxides), aluminum compounds (e.g.,AlCl₃ or aluminum alkoxides), silicon compounds (e.g., trialkylsilyltriflates, such as TMS-OTf, trialkylsilyl halides, etc.), and the like,

With product ketone P45 in hand, the ketone can be reduced andoptionally etherated or acylated as in Scheme XVI above or subject tonucleophilic attack and optionally etherated or acylated as in SchemeXVII above to give products P41, P42, P43, and P44.

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (XI), isprepared by enolizing product P45, as with alcohol A41 above, e.g., witha strong base, optionally in the presence of a Lewis acid. The resultingenolate intermediate is then be reacted with electrophile A45 to affordproduct P46, which has the structure of A41 (Scheme XXIX).

In another embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (XI) areprepared by imine formation between compounds A41, P45, or P46 and amineA46 to afford imine product P47 (Scheme XXX). Imine P47 is optionallyreduced to afford amine product P48 (Scheme XXX):

In some embodiments, imine formation conditions employ dehydratingagents, such as molecular sieves, heat, and/or the use of an azeotropeto remove water.

Suitable imine reducing conditions include those known in the art forreducing imines and minimum ions, such as hydrogenolysis with hydrogenand palladium, such as palladium on carbon. Another suitable source ofhydrogen includes formic acid.

In one embodiment, one or more compounds of Formula (XII) is prepared byhydroboration of a commercially available olefin A48, such as β-pinene(e.g., where R⁴ is hydrogen and Y is a direct, bond, and R¹ and R² aremethyl) to give product organoborane P49, which is optionallyoxidatively cleaved to afford alcohol P410 (Scheme XXXI).

Suitable imine hydroboration conditions include the use of reagents suchas borane, diborane, 9-BBN, among others. Oxidative cleavage of theorganoborane P49 is carried out by standard methods, e.g., with hydrogenperoxide. The organoborane P9 is also optionally used in a Suzukicoupling with a suitable organohalide.

Olefins such as A48 are commercially available in racemic andenantiomerically enriched forms. Examples include α-pinene and β-pinene,pinenone, and pinenol.

In some embodiments, and in similar fashion as described above forScheme XXVI, compounds of Formula (XVII) are prepared by etherifying oracylating the alcohol product P410 with electrophilic compound A49 bydisplacement of the leaving group LG to afford to ether or acyl compoundP411 (Scheme XXXII):

In other embodiments, one or more compounds of Formula (XII) is preparedby oxidative cleavage of a commercially available olefin A48 to giveproduct ketone P412 (Scheme XXXIII). Ketone P412 is then able to undergo reactions similar to those described for the ketones in SchemesXXVI-XXX above, such as enolate formation with base followed bynucleophilic attack on electrophile A410 to give product ketone P413,followed by reduction of the ketone P413 to give product alcohol P414,which is optionally etherified or acylation with electrophile A411(Scheme XXXIII):

Suitable oxidative cleavage conditions include the use of catalyticruthenium or osmium in combination with excess oxidants, such as oxone,sodium periodate, sodium perchlorate, bleach, and the like.

In other embodiments, one or more compounds of Formula (XII), whereinthe bond with a dotted line is a double bond is prepared by eliminationof the leaving group LG in compound A412 under basic or acidicconditions (Scheme XXXIV). Compound A412 is prepared from thecorresponding alcohol P415 by conversion of the hydroxy group into theleaving group LG (Scheme XXXIV):

Conversion of the hydroxy group of P415 to leaving group LG can beperformed by routine methods known in the art, such as conversion to ahalide, mesylate, tosylate, or triflate, acylation, or treatment withinorganic acids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄, etc.) or organic acids (acetic acid,trifluoroacetic acid, triflic acid, etc.).

Suitable bases for elimination of leaving group LG of A412 to affordolefin P416 include strong bases such as alkaline and alkaline earthmetal hydroxides (such as NaOH, LiOH, etc.), alkoxides (such as sodiumor potassium tert-butoxide), lithium diisopropyl amide (LDA), lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (LiHMDS), sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide(NaHMDS), and the like. Depending on the leaving group, suitable basesalso include milder bases, such as alkaline and alkaline earth metalcarbonates (such as Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, CaCO₃, etc.), and bicarbonates (suchas NaHCO₃, KHCO₃, etc.), as well as amine bases, such as ammonia,ammonium hydroxide, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, pyrrolidine,2,6-lutidine, 1,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene (DBU),4-(dimethylamino)-pyridine, etc.

In some instances elimination of leaving group LG of A412 to affordolefin P416 occurs by treatment with inorganic acids (e.g., HCl, H₂SO₄,etc.) or organic acids (acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, triflic acid,etc.). In some embodiments, olefin P416 can be obtained directly fromalcohol P415 by treatment with an inorganic or organic acid.

The alcohol P415 is obtained by nucleophilic attack of a nucleophileR³—X⁻ on the ketone P413, which is described above.

Regarding each of the synthetic schemes above, the skilled artisan willappreciate that aryl and/or heteroaryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl,heteroaralkyl, allyl, and propargyl moieties herein may be readilycoupled directly using Stille, Suzuki, Heck, Negishi, Sonongashira,Kumada, Glaser, or other related reactions, such as palladium-mediatedcross-coupling reactions. Aryl and/or heteroaryl moieties herein mayalso be readily coupled through a heteroatom, e.g., using reactions suchas the Ullmann reaction, any of various palladium-mediated reactionsdeveloped by S. Buchwald and others, by nucleophilic aromaticsubstitution, or other such reactions. Similarly, amines, alcohols,thiols, and other such heteroatom-bearing compounds herein may becoupled to aryl and/or heteroaryl moieties using palladium-mediatedreactions developed by S. Buchwald and others, nucleophilic aromaticsubstitution, etc. Aryl and/or heteroaryl moieties linked by substitutedor unsubstituted hydrocarbon chains herein may also be prepared byStille, Suzuki, Heck, Friedel-Crafts, and other reactions as will beapparent to those of skill in the art.

It will be understood that the various substituents on the compounds inthe above syntheses can be protected from the reaction conditions asnecessary using the proper protecting groups, such as those disclosed inGreene, T. W.; Wuts, P. G. M. Greene's Protective Groups in OrganicSynthesis, 4th ed.; Wiley-Interscience: New York, 2006.

EXAMPLES

In order that this invention be more fully understood, the followingexamples are set forth. These examples are for the purpose ofillustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope ofthe invention in any way.

The test compounds used in the following examples were obtained fromcommercial vendors for synthetic and natural compounds, includingVitasM, ChemDiv, ChemBridge, Chromadex, Sigma Aldrich, Penta, SpectrumChemical, Vigon, and Indofine.

The taste test panelists used in the following examples were screenedbased upon and selected for their ability to perceive the bitter tasteassociated with potassium chloride. Only panelists capable of perceivingbitter taste participated in the following taste tests.

Due to the complex nature of taste perception in subjects and theinherently subjective nature of the following experiments, individualtaste test trials may yield different, results for a given compound. Thedata presented in the following Examples is illustrative of the tastetesting results observed. It is noted that the data presented in theFigures represents a subset of the data presented in the Examples below.

The taste testing experiments below were conducted with panels ofvarying size (i.e., panels comprising varying numbers of panelists).

Example 1 Generation of KCl Test Solutions

Edible KCl solution compositions (“KCl test solutions”) were prepared byfirst dissolving varying amounts of the test compounds in an amount ofethanol or water (depending on the solubility of the compound) to createa 5 mg/mL stock compound solution. An amount of this stock compoundsolution is then added to an aqueous KCl solution. Enough EtOH is thenadded to the resulting stock compound/KCl solution so that the final KCltest solution contains 1% EtOH. KCl solution standards were similarlyprepared by dissolving various amounts of KCl in water and ethanolwithout adding any test compound. NaCl solution standards were similarlyprepared by dissolving various amounts of NaCl in water and ethanolwithout adding any test compound (NaCl solution standards did notcontain any KCl).

TABLE 1 KCl Taste Test Solution Conc. Where Conc. Where Conc. OfDecrease in Decrease in Compound Bitter Taste Bitter Taste CompoundConc. Of Tested Was Discerned Discerned and No. KCl (ppm) (ppm) p ≦ 0.1(ppm) 1 4.85 g/L   0.1   0.1   0.1 2 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 10  4 4.85 g/L1; 10 1; 10 1 5 4.85 g/L   0.1   0.1   0.1 6 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 74.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 8 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 9 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 10 4.85g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 11 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 10  12 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 134.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 15 4.85 g/L 1  1 1 17 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 18 4.85g/L 1; 10 10 — 19 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 — 20 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 21 4.85g/L 1; 10 10 — 22 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 23 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 244.85 g/L 1; 10 10 25 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 26 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 284.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 — 29 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 31 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 1010  32 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 — 33 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 34 4.85 g/L 1; 101; 10 1; 10 36 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 1 37 4.85 g/L 0.1; 1; 5; 10 0.1; 1; 100.1; 10  38 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 — 39 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 — 40 4.85 g/L1; 10 10 — 41 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 10  42 4.85 g/L 0.5; 1; 10 0.5; 1; 100.5; 10  43 4.85 g/L 0.1; 1; 10  1 1 44 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 45 4.85 g/L1; 10  1 — 47 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 49 4.85 g/L 10  10 — 50 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1 — 52 4.85 g/L 0.1; 1; 5 0.1; 1 — 53 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 10  54 4.85g/L 1; 10 10 — 55 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 — 56 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 57 4.85g/L 1; 10 — — 58 4.85 g/L 10  10 10  59 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 60 4.85 g/L1; 10 1; 10 — 61 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 62 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 63 4.85 g/L0.1; 1; 10 0.1; 1; 10 1 64 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 — 65 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — —66 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 67 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 68 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 694.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 71 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 73 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — —74 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1; 10 76 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 — 78 4.85 g/L 1;10  1 — 80 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 81 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 84 4.85 g/L 1; 10 —— 85 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 88 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 90 4.85 g/L 1  1 —92 4.85 g/L 1  1 1 94 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 95 4.85 g/L 0.1; 1; 10 0.1; 1;10 0.1; 1   97 4.85 g/L 1  1 — 98 4.85 g/L 10  10 10  99 4.85 g/L 1  1 —100 4.85 g/L 10  10 — 101 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 102 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 1104 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 106 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 107 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 —108 4.85 g/L 1; 10  1 — 109 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 110 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — —111 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 10  112 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 113 4.85 g/L 1  1 —114 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1; 10 115 4.85 g/L 1; 10 — — 116 4.85 g/L 1; 101; 10 — 117 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 — 118 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1; 10 119 4.85g/L 1; 10 10 — 120 4.85 g/L 30  — — 121 4.85 g/L 40  40 40  122 4.85 g/L0.1; 1; 10 — — 123 4.85 g/L 0.1; 1; 10 0.1; 1; 10 — 124 4.85 g/L 0.1; 1;10 — — 126 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1; 10 127 4.85 g/L 128 4.85 g/L 1; 10 1;10 1 129 4.85 g/L 1; 10 10 10  130 4.85 g/L 40  40 — 132 4.85 g/L 1  1 —133 4.85 g/L 2  2 2 Standard 4.85 g/L

Example 2 Effect of Test Compounds on the Perception of Bitter Taste ofAqueous KCl Solutions in Humans

The effect of the test compounds on the perception of the bitter tasteof an aqueous solution of KCl in humans was evaluated using a “sip andspit” test as follows.

A set of KCl solution standards was developed and each standard solutionwas assigned a bitterness taste score of 0-15 (corresponding to aqueousKCl concentrations of 0 mM-120 mM). Panelists were trained to recognizethese standards. In addition, before each day of testing, panelists weretested to see if they could determine differences in taste between thestandard solutions. If a panelist was unable to recognize a change inKCl concentration, they were excluded from the panel for that day.

In a blind taste test, panelists were asked to compare the bitter tasteof a small quantity (e.g., 8 ml) of each of the KCl Test Solutions tothe taste of a KCl solution standard, without swallowing (see, e.g.,Table 1). Specifically, panelists were asked to rate the bitterness ofeach KCl Test Solution on a scale of 0-15 using the same scale developedfor the KCl solution standards. Each sample was tested in 2-4 discretetaste test experiments. Panelists were asked to rinse with water, eat acracker, and wait approximately 10 minutes between samples.

Illustrative results of the aqueous solution testing are presented inFIGS. 1-4 and Table 1.

Example 3 Generation of Potassium Lactate Test Solutions

Edible potassium lactate solution compositions (“potassium lactate testsolutions”) were prepared by first dissolving varying amounts of thetest compounds in an amount of ethanol or water (depending on thesolubility of the compound) to create a 5 mg/mL stock compound solution.An amount of this stock compound solution is then added to an aqueouspotassium lactate solution. Enough EtOH is then added to the resultingstock compound/potassium lactate solution so that the final potassiumlactate test solution contains 1% EtOH. Potassium lactate solutionstandards were similarly prepared by dissolving various amounts ofpotassium lactate in water and ethanol without adding any test compound.Sodium lactate solution standards were similarly prepared by dissolvingvarious amounts of sodium lactate in water and ethanol without addingany test compound (sodium lactate solution standards did not contain anypotassium lactate).

TABLE 2 Potassium Lactate Taste Test Solutions Conc. Where Conc. WhereConc. Of Decrease in Decrease in Compound Bitter Taste Bitter TasteCompound Conc. Tested Was Discerned Discerned and No. Of KLac (ppm)(ppm) p ≦ 0.1 (ppm) 2 41 g/L 1; 10 1 — 4 41 g/L 1; 10 — — 6 41 g/L 1; 101; 10 — 10 41 g/L 0.1; 1     0.1 — 11 41 g/L 5; 10 — — 22 41 g/L 0.1; 1;5; 10 1; 10 1 23 41 g/L 0.1; 1   — — 26 41 g/L 0.1; 1; 10 10  10  31 41g/L 5; 10 5; 10 10  34 41 g/L 1; 10 1; 10 1 37 41 g/L 0.1; 10   — — 4141 g/L 1; 5  5 — 42 41 g/L 1; 10; 30 1 1 43 41 g/L 1; 5  1 1 53 41 g/L5; 10 10  10  58 41 g/L 1; 10; 30 1; 10; 30 10; 30 63 41 g/L 1; 10; 301; 10; 30 — 74 41 g/L 1; 10 1 1 85 41 g/L 1; 5  5 5 88 41 g/L 1; 5  1;5  1; 5  95 41 g/L 1; 10; 30 1; 10 1 102 41 g/L 0.1; 1   1 — 114 41 g/L1; 5  1; 5  — 118 41 g/L 1; 5  1 — 120 41 g/L 1; 10; 30 1; 10; 30 1; 10128 41 g/L 1; 5  1; 5  — 129 41 g/L 5; 10 5; 10 5 Standard 41 g/L

Example 4 Effect of Test Compounds on the Perception of Bitter Taste ofAqueous Potassium Lactate Solutions in Humans

The effect of the test compounds on the perception of the bitter tasteof an aqueous solution of potassium lactate in humans was evaluatedusing the “sip and spit” test described in Example 2.

Illustrative results of the aqueous solution testing are presented inFIGS. 1-4 and in Table 2.

Example 5 Generation of KCl Test Foodstuff Slurries

Edible KCl food compositions (“KCl test foodstuff slurries”) wereprepared as follows. Dehydrated, salt-free turkey powder was weighed andmixed with various amounts of KCl and/or NaCl and then solubilized withboiling water to create a homogenized solubilized turkey slurry. Varyingamounts of the test compounds were dissolved in an amount of ethanol orwater (depending on the solubility of the compound) to create a 5 mg/mLstock compound solution. An amount of this stock compound solution wasthen added to the turkey slurry. Enough EtOH is then added to theresulting stock compound/turkey slurry so mat the slurry contains 1%EtOH. The slurry was again homogenized by boiling and mixing and allowedto cool to yield the final KCl test foodstuff slurry for taste testing.KCl foodstuff slurry standards were similarly prepared without any testcompound. NaCl foodstuff slurry standards were similarly preparedwithout adding any test compound (NaCl foodstuff slurry standards didnot contain any KCl).

TABLE 3 KCl Foodstuff Slurry Compositions Conc. at Which Conc. at WhichAt Least 50% of At Least 50% of Conc. of Panelist Discerned PanelistDiscerned Com- Conc. Compound Decrease in Decrease in pound Of TestedBitter Taste Bitter Taste and No. KCl (ppm) (ppm) p ≦ 0.1 (ppm) 2 1.6%1; 10 — — 4 1.6% 1; 10 — — 8 1.6% 1; 10 1 — 10 1.6% 0.1; 1     0.1 — 111.6% 5; 10 — — 21 1.6% 1; 10 10  — 22 1.6% 1; 5  — — 23 1.6% 1; 10 — —26 1.6% 0.1; 1   — — 31 1.6% 5; 10 10  — 33 1.6% 1; 10 1; 10 — 34 1.6%1; 10 — — 37 1.6% 0.1; 10   — — 41 1.6% 1; 10 1; 10 — 42 1.6% 1; 10; 301; 10; 30 30 43 1.6% 1; 5  5 — 53 1.6% 1; 5; 10 — — 58 1.6% 1; 10; 30 1;10; 30 10; 30 63 1.6% 1; 10; 30 1; 10; 30 30 65 1.6% 10 69 1.6% 1; 10 1;10 10 74 1.6% 1; 10 10  — 88 1.6% 1; 10 1 — 95 1.6% 1; 10; 30 1; 10; 30— 102 1.6% 10 10  — 111 1.6% 1; 10 1 — 114 1.6% 1; 10 1; 10 — 118 1.6%1; 10 — — 120 1.6% 1; 10; 30 10  — 128 1.6% 1; 5  — — 129 1.6% 5; 10 5 —Stan- 1.6% — dard

Example 6 Effect of Test Compounds on the Perception of Bitter Taste ofKCl Foodstuff Slurries in Humans Using a Two-Alternative Forced ChoiceMethod (2AFC)

The effect of the test compounds on the perception of the bitter tasteof KCl foodstuff slurries in humans was evaluated using atwo-alternative-forced-choice “sip and spit” test as follows.

In a blind taste test, panelists received two portions of turkeyslurry—one portion being the KCl foodstuff slurry standard and the otherbeing one of the KCl test foodstuff slurries (each prepared as describedin Example 5). The panelists tasted each of the portions by sipping andspitting. Each sample was tested in 2-4 discrete taste test experiments.Panelists were asked to rinse with water, eat a cracker, and wait about10 minutes between samples. In each case, the panelists were asked tocompare the bitter taste of the two turkey samples to each other (i.e.panelists were asked to indicate which sample was less bitter).

Illustrative results of the foodstuff testing are presented in FIGS. 1-4and in Table 3.

Example 7 Generation of Potassium Lactate Test Foodstuff Slurries

Edible potassium lactate food compositions (“potassium lactate testfoodstuff slurries”) were prepared as follows. Dehydrated, salt-freeturkey powder was weighed and mixed with various amounts of potassiumlactate and/or sodium lactate and then solubilized with boiling water tocreate a homogenized solubilized turkey slurry. Varying amounts of thetest compounds were dissolved in an amount of ethanol or water(depending on the solubility of the compound) to create a 5 mg/mL stockcompound solution. An amount of this stock compound solution was thenadded to the turkey slurry. Enough EtOH is then added to the resultingstock compound/turkey slurry so that the final slurry contains 1% EtOH.The final slurry was again homogenized by boiling and mixing and allowedto cool to yield the final slurry for taste testing. Potassium lactatefoodstuff slurry standards were similarly prepared without any testcompound. Sodium lactate foodstuff slurry standards were similarlyprepared without adding any test compound (sodium lactate foodstuffslurry standards did not contain any potassium lactate).

TABLE 4 Potassium Lactate Foodstuff Slurry Compositions Conc. at WhichConc. at Which At Least 50% of At Least 50% of Conc. Of PanelistDiscerned Panelist Discerned Com- Conc. Compound Decrease in Decrease inpound Of Tested Bitter Taste Bitter Taste and No. KLac (ppm) (ppm) p ≦0.1 (ppm) 34 4.5% 1; 10 — — 42 4.5% 1; 10; 30 1; 10; 30 30 43 4.5% 30 30  30 53 4.5% 5 5 — 63 4.5% 1; 10; 30 — — 74 4.5% 1; 10 1 — 95 4.5% 1;10; 30 1; 10 10 120  4.5% 1; 10; 30 10  — Stan- 4.5% — dard

Example 8 Effect of Test Compounds on the Perception of Bitter Taste ofPotassium Lactate Foodstuff Slurriess in Humans Using a Two-AlternativeForced Choice Method (2AFC)

The effect of the test compounds on the perception of the bitter tasteof potassium lactate foodstuffs in humans was evaluated using thetwo-alternative-forced-choice “sip and spit” test described in Example6.

Illustrative results of the foodstuff testing are presented in FIGS. 1-4and in Table 4.

Example 9 Effect of Test Compounds on the Perception of Bitter Taste ofAqueous KCl Solutions in Humans Using a Latin Square Two-AlternativeForced Choice Method (Latin Square-2AFC)

The effect of the test compounds on the perception of the bitter tasteof an aqueous solution of KCl in humans was evaluated using a “sip andspit” test using a Latin Square-2AFC testing method as follows.

In a blind taste test, panelists were asked to compare the bitter tasteof a small quantity (e.g., 8 ml) of a KCl Test Solution to the taste ofa KCl solution standard (prepared as described in Example 1), withoutswallowing. NaCl solution standards were prepared as described inExample 1.

In order to eliminate any effects of sample order, a complete LatinSquare design was employed so that each possible order of samplepresentation was utilized across subjects. Each sample was tested inseveral discrete taste test experiments. Panelists were asked to rinsewith water, eat a cracker, and wait about 10 minutes between samples. Ineach case, the panelists were asked to choose the sample which tasted“less bitter.” Illustrative results of the aqueous solution LatinSquare-2AFC testing are presented in Table 5.

TABLE 5 KCl Latin Square-2AFC Taste Test Solution Conc. at Which AtConc. at Which At Conc. of Least 50% of Panelist Least 50% of PanelistCompound Discerned Decrease in Discerned Decrease in Compound Conc. OfTested Bitter Taste Bitter Taste and p ≦ 0.1 No. KCl (ppm) (ppm) (ppm)2  4.85 g/L 0.2; 0.6; 2; 6.5; 20 2 — 4  4.85 g/L 0.25; 1; 2.5; 10; 25 —— 10   4.85 g/L 0.25; 1; 2.5; 10; 25 — — 11   4.85 g/L 0.25; 1; 2.5; 10;25 1 — 22   4.85 g/L 0.25; 0.5; 1; 2; 4 0.25; 2   0.25 25-1 4.85 g/L0.4; 1.2; 4; 12; 40 0.4; 1.2; 4 25-2 4.85 g/L 0.5; 1;2;4 0.5; 1; 4 —26-1 4.85 g/L 0.4; 1.2; 4; 12; 40 4; 12; 40 — 26-2 4.85 g/L 0.5; 1; 2;4; 8  0.5; 1 — 31-1 4.85 g/L 0.6; 2; 6; 20; 50 — — 31-2 4.85 g/L 0.25;0.5; 1; 2; 4   0.25 34-1 4.85 g/L 0.6; 1.8; 6; 18; 50 0.6; 1.8; 6 6 34-24.85 g/L 1; 3; 5; 7; 9   1; 7 — 36   4.85 g/L 0.25; 1; 2.5; 10; 25 — —37   4.85 g/L 0.25; 0.5; 1; 2.5; 5 — — 41   4.85 g/L 0.1; 0.25; 1; 2.5;5; 10 0.25; 1; 2.5 1 43   4.85 g/L 1; 5; 10; 25; 50 10  — 53   4.85 g/L0.25; 1; 2.5; 10; 25 1 — 69-1 4.85 g/L 0.6; 2; 6; 20; 40 0.6; 2; 6 269-2 4.85 g/L 0.25; 1; 2; 4; 10 0.25; 2; 4 — 74   4.85 g/L 0.25; 0.5; 1;2; 4 0.25; 0.5; 1; 4 1 85   4.85 g/L 0.005; 0.01; 0.05; 0.17    0.005114   4.85 g/L 0.25; 1; 2.5; 1.0; 25 0.25; 1; 25 25  128   4.85 g/L 0.1;0.25; 0.5; 1; 2 1 — 129   4.85 g/L 0.25; 1; 2.5; 5; 10 — — Standard 4.85g/L

Example 10 Effect of Test Compounds on the Perception of Bitter Taste ofKCl Foodstuff Slurries in Humans Using a Latin Square Two-AlternativeForced Choice Method (Latin Square-2AFC)

The effect of the test compounds on the perception of the bitter tasteof KCl foodstuff slurries in humans was evaluated using a “sip and spit”test using a Latin Square-2AFC testing method as follows.

In a blind taste test, panelists received two portions of turkeyslurry—one portion being the KCl foodstuff slurry standard and the otherbeing one of the KCl test foodstuff slurries (prepared as described inExample 5). NaCl foodstuff slurry standards were prepared as describedin Example 1.

The panelists tasted each of the portions by sipping and spitting. Inorder to eliminate any effects of sample order, a complete Latin Squaredesign was employed so that each possible order of sample presentationwas utilized across subjects. Each sample was tested in several discretetaste test experiments. Panelists were asked to rinse with water, eat acracker, and wait about 10 minutes between samples. In each case, thepanelists were asked to choose the sample that tasted less bitter.

Illustrative results of the foodstuff Latin Square-2AFC testing arepresented in Table 6.

TABLE 6 KCl Latin Square-2AFC Taste Test Turkey Slurry Conc. at Which AtConc. at Which At Conc. of Least 50% of Panelist Least 50% of PanelistCompound Discerned Decrease in Discerned Decrease in Compound Conc. OfTested Bitter Taste Bitter Taste and p ≦ 0.1 No. KCl (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) 21.6% 0.2; 0.25; 0.6; 1; 2; 25   — 2.5; 6.5; 10; 20; 2.5 22 1.6% 0.5;1.5; 5; 15; 50 — — 26 1.6% 0.2; 0.6; 2; 6.5; 20 0.6 31 1.6% 0.6; 2; 6;20; 50 — — 69 1.6% 0.6; 2; 6; 20; 50 0.6; 2; 6; 20 0.6; 2 Standard 1.6%

Example 11 Effect of Test Compounds on the Perception of Bitter Taste ofKCl Solid-Matrix Foodstuffs in Humans Using a Latin SquareTwo-Alternative Forced Choice Method (Latin Square-2AFC)

The effect of the test compounds on the perception of the bitter tasteof KCl in solid-matrix foodstuffs in humans was evaluated using a “chewand spit” test using a Latin Square-2AFC testing method as follows.

Two types of marinades containing Prague powder, sugar, Evian™ water,KCl and/or NaCl in water were prepared. One marinade contained 80%KCl:20% NaCl (by weight) (i.e., marinade concentration of 1.6% KCl). Asecond marinade contained 60% KCl:40% NaCl (by weight) (i.e., marinadeconcentration of 1.2% KCl). Compound stock solutions were prepared bydissolving an amount of test compound in ethanol or water (depending onthe solubility of the compound) to create a 5 mg/mL stock compoundsolution. Enough ethanol was added to each stock compound solution togenerate a final stock compound solution containing 1% ethanol. Themarinade, the stock compound solution and ground turkey were added to amixing bowl, mixed at low-speed for about 2 minutes, and then mixed athigh-speed for about 5 minutes. The marinated turkey mixture was dividedinto one pound aliquots, vacuum sealed into food saver bags, and allowedto marinate for about 2 hours in a refrigerator. The vacuum-sealedturkey was then cooked in an about 86° C. water bath for about 30minutes. If after about 30 minutes, the internal turkey temperature hadnot reached about 170° F., the vacuum-sealed turkey was cooked for aboutan additional 5 minutes. The vacuum-sealed turkey was then refrigeratedfor about two weeks before taste testing. KCl standards were similarlyprepared by dissolving KCl in the marinade without adding any testcompound during the turkey preparation. NaCl standards were similarlyprepared by dissolving NaCl in the marinade without adding any testcompound during the turkey preparation (NaCl standards did not containany KCl).

The panelists tasted portions by chewing and spitting. In order toeliminate any effects of sample order, a complete Latin Square designwas employed so that each possible order of sample presentation wasutilized across subjects. Each sample was tested in several discretetaste test experiments. Panelists were asked to rinse with water, eat acracker, and wait about 10 minutes between samples. In each case, thepanelists were asked to choose the sample that tasted less bitter.Illustrative results presented in Table 7.

TABLE 7 KCl Latin Square-2AFC Taste Solid Turkey Conc. at Which At Conc.at Which At Conc. Of Least 50% of Panelist Least 50% of Panelist Conc.Of Compound Discerned Decrease in Discerned Decrease in Compound KCl inTested Bitter Taste Bitter Taste and p ≦ 0.1 No. Marinade (ppm) (ppm)(ppm) 2 1.6% 0.5; 2;5; 10 10   — 4 1.6% 1; 2; 4; 10 — — 6 1.6% 0.5; 1;2; 4 0.5; 1; 2 — 10 1.6% 0.5; 2; 5; 10 0.5 — 11 1.6% 2; 5; 10; 20   2;10 — 19 1.6% 0.1; 1; 2; 4 — — 22 1.6% 1; 2; 4; 10 — — 23 1.6% 0.01;0.05; 0.1; 0.3; 0.5  0.05; 0.3 — 25 1.6% 2; 5; 10; 20   2; 20 — 26 1.6%2; 5; 10; 20 — — 31 1.6% 0.5; 1; 2; 4 0.5; 1; 4 4 34 1.6% 1; 2; 4; 10 2— 36 1.6% 2; 5; 10; 20 — — 37 1.6% 0.5; 1; 2.5; 5; 10; 25 0.5; 1; 10 —41 1.6% 0.1; 0.5; 1; 2.5; 5; 10 0.1; 0.5; 2.5   2.5 43 1.6% 0.1; 0.5; 1;2; 4; 8 0.1; 0.5; 1; 2; 4 0.1; 1; 2 53 1.6% 2; 5; 10; 20 — — 69 1.6%0.5; 1; 2; 4; 10 0.5; 1; 2; 4; 10 1 74 1.6% 1; 2; 5; 10; 20 1; 2; 10; 2010  85 1.6% 0.1; 0.25; 0.5; 1; 2; 4; 10 0.5; 1 1 114 1.6% 0.01; 0.05;0.1; 0.5 — — 126 1.6% 1; 2; 10; 20 — — 128 1.6% 0; 0.4; 1.2; 2.4; 3.6 —— 128 1.2% 0.1; 0.25; 0.4; 0.5; 0.1; 1 — 1; 1.2; 2.4; 3.6; 4.8 129 1.6%0.5; 1; 2; 4; 5; 15 — — Standard 1.6%

We claim:
 1. A composition comprising: i) a bitter tastant selected fromthe group consisting of KCl and potassium lactate; and ii) a compoundaccording to a formula selected from the group consisting of: (a)Formula (V):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit: R¹, independently for each occurrence, is selectedfrom the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl,C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy; R² is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl,C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy, C₁₋₆acyloxy optionally substitutedby hydroxyl, amino, mono- or disubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl;R³ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy; R⁴ is selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl,C₂₋₂₁alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy, wherein R⁴ is optionally substituted byone or more occurrences of hydroxyl or acetyloxy; R⁵ is selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl,C₂₋₂₁alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy, wherein R⁵ is optionally substituted byone or more occurrences of hydroxyl or acetyloxy; or R⁴ and R⁵ togetherform ═O; wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵, independently andindependently for each occurrence, is optionally substituted with 1-3substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido, C₁₋₁₀imino,C₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl,C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl,C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl,and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl; and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromaticrings, independently for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatomsselected from N, O, and S; and n is 0-3; (b) Formula (XI):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit: the bond with a dotted line optionally represents asingle or double bond, R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, andC₂₋₆alkynyl; wherein each of R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ may be optionallyindependently substituted with one or more substituents selected fromthe group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,—O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),—S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),—NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and—N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂; R⁴ is absent or selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, C₁₋₆acyloxy,C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester; wherein R⁴ maybe optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected fromthe group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,—O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),—S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀aklyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),—NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂,—N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀acylamino,C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy, C₁₋₁₀alkylester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester,C₁₋₁₀alkylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide,C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester;R⁵ is absent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; wherein R⁵ may be optionallyindependently substituted with one or more substituents selected fromthe group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,—O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),—S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,—N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂; wherein R⁶ and R⁷ areoptionally taken together to form ═O, ═S or ═C(R^(a))₂; wherein eachR^(a) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; wherein when the bond with thedotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ is present, X is selectedfrom the group consisting of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—; wherein when the bondwith the dotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ is absent, X isselected from the group consisting of ═O and ═S; and wherein when thebond with the dotted line represents a single bond, X is selected fromthe group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—, —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—; providedthat when the bond with the dotted line represents a double bond, R⁵ isabsent, and when the bond with the dotted line represents a single bond,R⁴ is present; and (c) Formula (XII):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit: the bond with a dotted line optionally represents asingle or double bond, R¹ and R² are independently selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl;wherein R¹ and R² may be optionally independently substituted with oneor more substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, —OH,═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),—O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),—NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,—N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂; R³ and R⁴ are independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl,C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, C₁₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester,and C₁₋₆alkynylester; wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionallyindependently substituted with one or more substituents selected fromthe group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,—O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),—S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂,C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy,C₁₋₁₀alkylester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylester, C₁₋₁₀alkynylester, C₁₋₁₀alkylamide,C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester,C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, and C₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester; and X and Y areindependently selected from the group consisting of a direct bond,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, N(R^(a)), —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S,provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then R³ and R⁴,respectively, are absent, wherein R^(a) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; andwherein the composition is edible and the bitter taste due to the bittertastant is reduced.
 2. The composition according to claim 1, whereinsaid compound according to Formula (V) is a compound selected from thegroup consisting of: (a) a compound of Formula (VIa):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,wherein, as valence and stability permit, R² and R⁴ are as defined forthe compound of Formula (V) in claim 1, wherein the carbon marked with *optionally has R or S stereochemistry or is a mixture of R and Sstereochemistry; and (b) a compound of Formula (VIb):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,wherein, as valence and stability permit, R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are as definedfor the compound of Formula (V) in claim
 1. 3. The composition accordingto claim 1, wherein said compound according to Formula (V) is a compoundselected from: (a) a compound of Formula (VIIa):

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof, wherein, as valence andstability permit: R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₆alkyl; or C₁₋₆acyl optionally substituted by hydroxyl, amino, mono-or disubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl; and wherein the carbonmarked with * optionally has R or S stereochemistry or is a mixture of Rand S stereochemistry.
 4. The composition according to claim 1, whereinsaid compound is a compound according to Formula (XI), wherein asvalence and stability permit: (a) R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; R⁴ is absent or selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl,C₁₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester;wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with one or more substituentsselected from the group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, and ═S; R⁵ is absentor selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally takentogether to form ═O, ═S or ═C(R^(a))₂; wherein each R^(a) isindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; wherein when the bond with the dotted linerepresents a double bond and R⁴ is present, X is selected from the groupconsisting of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—; wherein when the bond with the dottedline represents a double bond and R⁴ is absent, X is selected from thegroup consisting of ═O and ═S; and wherein when the bond with the dottedline represents a single bond, X is selected from the group consistingof —C(R^(a))₂—, —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—; provided that when the bondwith the dotted line represents a double bond, R⁵ is absent, and whenthe bond with the dotted line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present;(b) R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl; R⁴ isabsent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆acyl; wherein R⁴ may be optionallysubstituted with ═O or ═S; R⁵ is absent or selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl; whereinR⁶ and R⁷ are optionally taken together to form ═O, ═S or ═C(R^(a))₂;wherein each R^(a) is independently selected from the group consistingof hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl; wherein when thebond with the dotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ is present, Xis selected from the group consisting of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—; whereinwhen the bond with the dotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ isabsent, X is selected from the group consisting of ═O and ═S; andwherein when the bond with the dotted line represents a single bond, Xis selected from the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—, —N(R^(a))—, —O—,and —S—; provided that when the bond with the dotted line represents adouble bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bond with the dotted linerepresents a single bond, R⁴ is present; or (c) R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₃alkyl, C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl; R⁴ is absent or selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl,C₁₋₆acyl; wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with ═O or ═S; R⁵ isabsent or selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl,C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl; wherein R⁶ and R⁷ are optionally takentogether to form ═O, ═S or ═C(R^(a))₂; wherein each R^(a) isindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₃alkyl,C₂₋₃alkenyl, and C₂₋₃alkynyl; wherein when the bond with the dotted linerepresents a double bond and R⁴ is present, X is ═C(R^(a))—; whereinwhen the bond with the dotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ isabsent, X is selected from the group consisting of ═O and ═S; andwherein when the dotted line represents a single bond, X is selectedfrom the group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂— and —O—; provided that when thedotted line represents a double bond, R⁵ is absent, and when the bondwith the dotted line represents a single bond, R⁴ is present.
 5. Thecomposition according to claim 1, wherein said compound is a compoundaccording to Formula (XII), wherein as valence and stability permit: (a)the bond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or doublebond, R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; R³ and R⁴ areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl, C₁₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester,C₁₋₆alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester; wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may beoptionally independently substituted with one or more substituentsselected from the group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₆acyloxy,C₁₋₆acylthioxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆ alkenylester, C₁₋₆ alkynylester,C₁₋₆ alkylthioester, C₁₋₆ alkenylthioester, and C₁₋₆alkynylthioester; Xand Y are independently selected from the group consisting of a directbond, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, N(R^(a)), —O—, —S—, ═O, and═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then R³ and R⁴,respectively, are absent, and wherein R^(a) is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; (b) thebond with a dotted line optionally represents a single or double bond,R¹ and R² are independently selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, and C₂₋₄alkynyl; R³ and R⁴ areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl,C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, and C₁₋₄acyl; wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may beoptionally independently substituted with one or more substituentsselected from the group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₄acyloxy,C₁₋₄acylthioxy, C₁₋₄alkylester, C₁₋₄ alkenylester, C₁₋₄ alkynylester,C₁₋₄ alkylthioester, C₁₋₄ alkenylthioester, and C₁₋₄alkynylthioester;and X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of adirect bond, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S,provided that when either X or Y is ═O or ═S, then R³ and R⁴,respectively, are absent; or (c) the bond with a dotted line optionallyrepresents a single or double bond, R¹ and R² are independently selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl, andC₂₋₄alkynyl; R³ and R⁴ are independently absent or independentlyselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₄alkyl, C₂₋₄alkenyl,C₂₋₄alkynyl, C₁₋₄acyl; wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionallyindependently substituted with one or more substituents selected fromthe group consisting of —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, C₁₋₄acyloxy, C₁₋₄alkylester,C₁₋₄alkenylester, and C₁₋₄alkynylester; and X and Y are independentlyselected from the group consisting of a direct bond, C₁₋₄alkyl,C₂₋₄alkenyl, C₂₋₄alkynyl, —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that wheneither X or Y is ═O or ═S, then R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent. 6.The composition according to claim 1, wherein said compound is selectedfrom the group consisting of Compounds 42-53 and 72-94 and having thestructure:

or a comestibly or biologically acceptable derivative or salt thereof,or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.
 7. The composition accordingto claim 1, wherein the bitter tastant is KCl.
 8. The compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises one ormore components selected from the group consisting of: NaCl and sodiumlactate.
 9. A food product or consumer product comprising thecomposition of claim
 1. 10. A method of inhibiting or reducing thebitter taste due to a bitter tastant selected from the group consistingof KCl and potassium lactate, wherein the method comprises placing thebitter tastant and a compound according to Formula (V), Formula (VIa),Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), or acomestibly or biologically acceptable salt, derivative, enantiomer, ordiastereomer thereof, or any one of Compounds 42-53 and 72-94, or acomestibly or biologically acceptable derivative, enantiomer, ordiastereomer thereof, or a combination of any of the foregoingcompounds, in the oral cavity of a subject; wherein the compound ofFormula (V) has the structure:

wherein, as valence and stability permit: R¹, independently for eachoccurrence, is selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy; R²is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, hydroxyl,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆haloalkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆alkoxy,C₁₋₆acyloxy optionally substituted by hydroxyl, amino, mono- ordisubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl; R³ is selected from thegroup consisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl,C₂₋₆alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy; R⁴ is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl, C₂₋₂₁alkynyl, andC₁₋₆alkoxy, wherein R⁴ is optionally substituted by one or moreoccurrences of hydroxyl or acetyloxy, R⁵ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, hydroxyl, C₁₋₂₁alkyl, C₂₋₂₁alkenyl,C₂₋₂₁alkynyl, and C₁₋₆alkoxy, wherein R⁵ is optionally substituted byone or more occurrences of hydroxyl or acetyloxy; or R⁴ and R⁵ togetherform ═O; wherein any of R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵, independently andindependently for each occurrence, is optionally substituted with 1-3substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₀alkyl,C₁₋₁₀haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl, carboxyl, C₁₋₁₀alkoxycarbonyl,C₂₋₁₀alkenyloxycarbonyl, C₂₋₁₀alkynyloxycarbonyl, C₁₋₁₀acyl,C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy, C₁₋₁₀carbonate, C₁₋₁₀alkoxy, phenyloxy,phosphoryl, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, amino,diC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, monoC₁₋₁₀alkylamino, C₁₋₁₃amido C₁₋₁₀iminoC₁₋₁₀carbamate, C₁₋₁₀urea, cyano, nitro, azido, sulfhydryl,C₁₋₁₀alkylthio, sulfate, sulfonate, sulfamoyl, sulfonamido, sulfonyl,C₃₋₇carbocyclyl, C₃₋₇carbocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₆heterocyclyl,C₁₋₆heterocyclyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, phenyl, phenyl-C₁₋₆alkyl, C₁₋₅heteroaryl,and C₁₋₅heteroaryl-C₁₋₆alkyl; and wherein heterocyclic or heteroaromaticrings, independently for each occurrence, comprise 1-4 heteroatomsselected from N, O, and S; and n is 0-3; wherein the compound of Formula(VIa) has the structure:

wherein, as valence and stability permit, R² and R⁴ are as defined forthe compound of Formula (V), wherein the carbon marked with * optionallyhas R or S stereochemistry or is a mixture of R and S stereochemistry;wherein the compound of Formula (VIb) has the structure:

wherein, as valence and stability permit, R³, R⁴, and R⁵ are as definedfor the compound of Formula (V); wherein the compound of Formula (VIIa)has the structure:

wherein, as valence and stability permit: R⁶ is selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl; or C₁₋₆acyl optionally substituted byhydroxyl, amino, mono- or disubstituted C₁₋₆alkyl amino, or carboxyl;and wherein the carbon marked with * optionally has R or Sstereochemistry or is a mixture of R and S stereochemistry; wherein thecompound of Formula (XI) has the structure:

wherein, as valence and stability permit: the bond with a dotted lineoptionally represents a single or double bond, R¹, R², R³, R⁶, and R⁷are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl, wherein each of R¹, R², R³, R⁶,and R⁷ may be optionally independently substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH,═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),—S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),—NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,—N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂; R⁴ is absent or selected fromthe group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl,C₁₋₆acyl, C₁₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, andC₁₋₆alkynylester; wherein R⁴ may be optionally substituted with one ormore substituents selected from the group consisting of halo —OH, ═O,—SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),—O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),—NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,—N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy, C₁₋₁₀alkylester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylester,C₁₋₁₀alkynylester, C₁₋₁₀alkylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide,C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, andC₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester; R⁵ is absent or selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; whereinR⁵ may be optionally independently substituted with one or moresubstituents selected from the group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH,═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),—S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),—NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,—N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and —N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂; wherein R⁶ and R⁷ areoptionally taken together to form ═O, ═S or ═C(R^(a))₂; wherein eachR^(a) is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; wherein when the bond with thedotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ is present, X is selectedfrom the group consisting of ═C(R^(a))— and ═N—, wherein when the bondwith the dotted line represents a double bond and R⁴ is absent, X isselected from the group consisting of ═O and ═S; and wherein when thebond with the dotted line represents a single bond, X is selected fromthe group consisting of —C(R^(a))₂—, —N(R^(a))—, —O—, and —S—, providedthat when the bond with the dotted line represents a double bond, R⁵ isabsent, and when the bond with the dotted line represents a single bond,R⁴ is present and wherein the compound of Formula (XII) has thestructure:

wherein, as valence and stability permit: the bond with a dotted lineoptionally represents a single or double bond, R¹ and R² areindependently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl,C₂₋₆alkenyl, and C₂₋₆alkynyl; wherein R¹ and R² may be optionallyindependently substituted with one or more substituents selected fromthe group consisting of halo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H,—O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, —O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl),—S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),—NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂, —N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, and—N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂; R³ and R⁴ are independently selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl, C₁₋₆acyl,C₁₋₆acyloxy, C₁₋₆alkylester, C₁₋₆alkenylester, and C₁₋₆alkynylester;wherein each of R³ and R⁴ may be optionally independently substitutedwith one or more substituents selected from the group consisting ofhalo, —OH, ═O, —SH, ═S, —NH₂, —CO₂H, —O(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —O(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl),—O(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), —S(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), —S(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl),NH(C₁₋₁₀alkyl), NH(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl), NH(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl), N(C₁₋₁₀alkyl)₂,N(C₂₋₁₀alkenyl)₂, N(C₂₋₁₀alkynyl)₂, C₁₋₁₀acyl, C₁₋₁₀acyloxy,C₁₋₁₀acylamino, C₁₋₁₀acylthioxy, C₁₋₁₀alkylester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylester,C₁₋₁₀alkynylester, C₁₋₁₀alkylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkenylamide,C₁₋₁₀alkynylamide, C₁₋₁₀alkylthioester, C₁₋₁₀alkenylthioester, andC₁₋₁₀alkynylthioester; and X and Y are independently selected from thegroup consisting of a direct bond C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl, C₂₋₆alkynyl,N(R^(a)), —O—, —S—, ═O, and ═S, provided that when either X or Y is ═Oor ═S, then R³ and R⁴, respectively, are absent, wherein R^(a) isselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C₁₋₆alkyl, C₂₋₆alkenyl,and C₂₋₆alkynyl; wherein said Compounds 42-53 and 72-94 have thestructures:


11. The method of claim 10, wherein the bitter tastant is KCl.
 12. Themethod according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises use of aneffective amount of a compound according to Formula (V), Formula (VIa),Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula (XI) or Formula (XII), or acomestibly or biologically acceptable salt, derivative, enantiomer, ordiastereomer thereof, or any one of Compounds 42-53 and 72-94, or acomestibly or biologically acceptable derivative, enantiomer, ordiastereomer thereof, or a combination of any of the foregoingcompounds, to: i) reduce or replace NaCl or sodium lactate with KCl orpotassium lactate to reduce the amount of NaCl or sodium lactate in anedible composition; or ii) preserve an edible composition in thepresence of potassium lactate; or iii) reduce or replace the amount ofNaCl or sodium lactate in an edible composition containing KCl orpotassium lactate while preserving the edible composition.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the effective amount of a compound accordingto Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula(XI) or Formula (XII), or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt,derivative, enantiomer, or diastereomer thereof, or any one of Compounds42-53 and 72-94, or a comestibly or biologically acceptable derivative,enantiomer, or diastereomer thereof, or a combination of any of theforegoing compounds, is sufficient to permit reduction or replacement ofthe amount of the NaCl or sodium lactate present in the ediblecomposition by up to 25%, 50%, 75% or 100%.
 14. The method of claim 10,wherein perception of the bitter taste in the oral cavity of the subjectis eliminated.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein a compound accordingto Formula (V), Formula (VIa), Formula (VIb), Formula (VIIa), Formula(XI) or Formula (XII), or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt,derivative, enantiomer, or diastereomer thereof, or any one of Compounds42-53 and 72-94, or a comestibly or biologically acceptable derivative,enantiomer, or diastereomer thereof, or a combination of any of theforegoing compounds, is ingested, in an effective amount, before,together with, or after the ingestion of a bitter tastant, to reduce thebitter taste of the tastant.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein theedible composition with reduced NaCl retains a salty flavor.
 17. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the edible composition is preserved byreplacing an amount of sodium lactate used in preparing the ediblecomposition with an amount of potassium lactate, and wherein the ediblecomposition that is preserved has the same shelf life as the ediblecomposition with the original amount of sodium lactate.
 18. The methodof claim 12, wherein the amount of sodium chloride in an ediblecomposition is replaced with an amount of potassium chloride.
 19. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the edible composition is selected from thegroup consisting of a food product, a consumer product, and apharmaceutical composition.
 20. The composition of claim 1, wherein saidcompound is a compound of Formula (V), or a comestibly or biologicallyacceptable salt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomerthereof.
 21. The composition of claim 1, wherein said compound is acompound of Formula (XI), or a comestibly or biologically acceptablesalt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.22. The composition of claim 1, wherein said compound is a compound ofFormula (XII), or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt orderivative thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.
 23. Thecomposition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 42 having thestructure:


24. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 43having the structure:


25. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 44having the structure:


26. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 45having the structure:


27. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 46having the structure:


28. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 47having the structure:


29. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 48having the structure:


30. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 49having the structure:


31. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 50having the structure:


32. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 51having the structure:


33. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 52having the structure:


34. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 53having the structure:


35. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 72having the structure:


36. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 73having the structure:


37. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 74having the structure:


38. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 75having the structure:


39. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 76having the structure:


40. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 77having the structure:


41. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 78having the structure:


42. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 79having the structure:


43. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 80having the structure:


44. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 81having the structure:


45. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 82having the structure:


46. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 83having the structure:


47. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 84having the structure:


48. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 85having the structure:


49. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 86having the structure:


50. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 87having the structure:


51. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 88having the structure:


52. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 89having the structure:


53. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 90having the structure:


54. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 91having the structure:


55. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 92having the structure:


56. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 93having the structure:


57. The composition of claim 6, wherein said compound is Compound 94having the structure:


58. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is a compound ofFormula (V), or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt orderivative thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.
 59. Themethod of claim 10, wherein said compound is a compound of Formula(VIa), or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivativethereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.
 60. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said compound is a compound of Formula (VIb), or acomestibly or biologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, or anenantiomer or diastereomer thereof.
 61. The method of claim 10, whereinsaid compound is a compound of Formula (VIIa), or a comestibly orbiologically acceptable salt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer ordiastereomer thereof.
 62. The method of claim 10, wherein said compoundis a compound of Formula (XI), or a comestibly or biologicallyacceptable salt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomerthereof.
 63. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is a compoundof Formula (XII), or a comestibly or biologically acceptable salt orderivative thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomer thereof.
 64. Themethod of claim 10, wherein said compound is selected from the groupconsisting of Compounds 42-53 and 72-94, or a comestibly or biologicallyacceptable salt or derivative thereof, or an enantiomer or diastereomerthereof.
 65. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound42 having the structure:


66. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 43 havingthe structure:


67. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 44 havingthe structure:


68. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 45 havingthe structure:


69. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 46 havingthe structure:


70. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 47 havingthe structure:


71. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 48 havingthe structure:


72. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 49 havingthe structure:


73. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 50 havingthe structure:


74. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 51 havingthe structure:


75. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 52 havingthe structure:


76. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 53 havingthe structure:


77. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 72 havingthe structure:


78. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 73 havingthe structure:


79. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 74 havingthe structure:


80. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 75 havingthe structure:


81. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 76 havingthe structure:


82. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 77 havingthe structure:


83. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 78 havingthe structure:


84. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 79 havingthe structure:


85. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 80 havingthe structure:


86. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 81 havingthe structure:


87. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 82 havingthe structure:


88. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 83 havingthe structure:


89. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 84 havingthe structure:


90. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 85 havingthe structure:


91. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 86 havingthe structure:


92. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 87 havingthe structure:


93. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 88 havingthe structure:


94. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 89 havingthe structure:


95. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 90 havingthe structure:


96. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 91 havingthe structure:


97. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 92 havingthe structure:


98. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 93 havingthe structure:


99. The method of claim 10, wherein said compound is Compound 94 havingthe structure: